U.S. Flies “High-Threat” Migrants, Including Tren de Aragua Suspects, To Guantanamo Bay Facility

The U.S. has started sending migrants deemed high-risk to Guantanamo Bay, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. has started sending migrants with severe criminal records to Guantanamo Bay detention center, including 10 earlier this week and another 13 on Thursday.
Many of the migrants are alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, described by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as “the worst of the worst.”
These transfers are part of President Trump’s executive order to prepare Guantanamo for holding up to 30,000 migrants.
The White House plans to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Human rights organizations have criticized the transfers, warning of potential human rights violations.

Arrival of “High-Threat” Migrants at Guantanamo Bay

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the arrival of ten “high-threat illegal aliens” at the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on Wednesday. These individuals, reportedly members of the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua, were transferred from El Paso, Texas, as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown.

On Thursday, reports indicated that another flight, containing 13 Venezuelan migrants, was on its way to Guantanamo Bay as well. These individuals were described as “highly dangerous” by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the migrants who would be transferred as “the worst of the worst,” emphasizing the administration’s stance on dealing with individuals deemed to pose severe security threats. The Pentagon stated that this measure is temporary, intended to ensure secure detention until the migrants can be deported to their country of origin or another appropriate destination.

Expansion of Guantanamo Bay Facilities

In preparation for this new role, the Pentagon deployed 300 Marines to Guantanamo to expand facilities for holding undocumented immigrants. This action follows President Trump’s executive order instructing preparations to hold up to 30,000 migrants at the U.S. naval base.

The migrants will be housed separately from existing detainees, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement primarily responsible for their security. The Migrant Operations Center is distinct from the high-security prison used for al Qaeda detainees.

Controversy and Criticism

The decision to use Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention has sparked controversy and criticism from human rights organizations. Human Rights First has warned that this move could lead to a human rights catastrophe, citing the facility’s troubled history.

Critics argue that using Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention could lead to human rights violations and tarnish America’s international reputation. Concerns have been raised about the capacity and conditions at the facility, with reports of unsanitary conditions and mistreatment in the past.

Historical Context and Future Implications

This is not the first time Guantanamo Bay has been used to house migrants. In the early 1990s, the facility housed migrants from Cuba and Haiti. However, the current situation represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration.

The White House’s plan to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization further underscores the administration’s tough stance on immigration and national security. As this situation continues to unfold, it will likely remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny both domestically and internationally.