Trump Reuses Guantanamo: Detention Facility Transformed into Migrant Center (video)
On February 5, 2025, President Trump announced plans to convert Guantanamo Bay into a center for up to 30,000 undocumented migrants facing deportation, aligning with the Laken Riley Act. This move has sparked significant human rights concerns and involves military support for renovations, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. immigration policy.
hassan benyoub 
February 5, 2025 – In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has announced plans to repurpose the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention facility into a center for undocumented migrants. The decision, made public last week, aims to accommodate up to 30,000 individuals deemed "high-priority criminal aliens" who are facing deportation from the United States.
https://x.com/24Media_Video/status/1887184414494376144
Executive Order and Legislative Support
On January 31, 2025, Trump signed an executive order titled "Exp Migrant Center at Station Guantanamo to Full Capacity," directing the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to prepare the facility for its new role. This initiative aligns with the recently passed Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of non-citizens who are unlawfully present in the U.S. and have been charged with various offenses.
During a speech at the White House, Trump stated, "We have 30,000 beds available in Guantanamo for detaining the most dangerous illegal aliens who pose a threat to the American populace." He emphasized that many of these individuals are considered too dangerous to be returned to their home countries.
Initial Transfers Begin
The first group of migrants has already been transported to Guantanamo Bay from Fort Bliss Army base in Texas. This marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, as traditionally, Guantanamo has been used to detain terrorism suspects rather than undocumented migrants.
Military Involvement
Over 150 U.S. troops have been deployed to assist in constructing the necessary facilities at Guantanamo Bay. The Pentagon confirmed that military personnel are on-site to support operations aimed at establishing a new migrant detention center.
Human Rights Concerns
The announcement has sparked outrage among human rights advocates who fear that repurposing Guantanamo could lead to further abuses. The facility has a notorious history of alleged torture and inhumane treatment of detainees during the "War on Terror." Critics argue that this move could exacerbate existing concerns about the treatment of migrants and undermine efforts to uphold human rights standards.
Conclusion
Trump's plan to transform Guantanamo Bay into a migrant detention center represents a bold and contentious step in his administration's approach to immigration. As construction progresses and more migrants are transferred, the implications for both U.S. immigration policy and human rights will continue to unfold.
