Guantánamo Bay is preparing to detain migrants. President Trump ordered both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ready the naval station to hold thirty thousand migrants whom he referred to as high-priority criminals. The President claims that the new directive was done to help combat the flow of migration over the United States’ southern border.
The detention center at Guantánamo Bay regularly houses suspected terrorists, and several instances of abuse have been reported since the detention center opened. Unsurprisingly, many have criticized President Trump’s decision, for fear of the prison camp applying the same methods to detained migrants There were also questions regarding the legitimacy of using the base-a military installation-for civil immigration detention and management. Many have also criticized the act for being too vague in its’ details.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the site has been used to temporarily detain migrants in the past. Further, he stated undocumented migrants will be housed separately from those incarcerated for more serious convictions, including terrorism. Further, Hegseth stated that Guantánamo is meant to serve as temporary detention center for migrants while a more permanent facility is prepared.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
