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U.S. Plans to Begin Deportations to Guantanamo in a Month

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 by Robert Castillo

U.S. Plans to Begin Deportations to Guantanamo in a Month
Donald Trump - Image by © Wikimedia Commons

The United States has announced plans to start deporting immigrants to the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba within the next 30 days. Tom Homan, appointed by Donald Trump to lead immigration and border security policies, revealed to The Washington Post his intentions to visit the U.S. naval base soon to oversee the rapid construction of a detention camp.

Although Trump mentioned that the facility could house up to 30,000 individuals, he clarified they would likely start with a smaller number of deportees. "We anticipate beginning to move people there within 30 days," he stated.

The so-called border czar has indicated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will manage the expanded facility in Guantanamo, though specifics remain elusive. The decision to detain up to 30,000 migrants in Guantanamo aims to relieve pressure on U.S. detention centers and will target irregular migrants accused of crimes.

The U.S. government has already initiated the plan to relocate detainees. Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of Defense, announced that his agency is coordinating efforts to set up an area within the base for this purpose. Amidst preparations, a contingent of Marines arrived at the base over the weekend.

"U.S. Marines have arrived at Guantanamo Bay to support the Department of Defense and Homeland Security in expanding the Migrant Operations Center, thereby advancing President Trump's mission to protect Americans and secure our nation," stated the White House in a press release.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in an interview that "due process will be followed, and having facilities at Guantanamo Bay will be an advantage for us."

The executive order signed by Trump mandates preparing up to 30,000 beds in the facility for detainees. The naval base already has a migrant compound that has been used several times to temporarily house Haitians and Cubans intercepted at sea, distinct from the maximum-security prison holding terrorism suspects.

According to Politico, so far, the military has conducted eight deportation flights: four to Guatemala, three to Honduras, and one to Ecuador. This would mark the first time migrants are sent to Guantanamo, presenting unique legal and logistical challenges.

"The President has stated that the worst of the worst will be held there, that we will pursue those bad actors..." Noem emphasized in the interview.

The Guantanamo military prison was established in January 2002 at the U.S. naval base located in Cuba. The detention center was set up following the September 11, 2001 attacks during President George W. Bush's administration to detain prisoners labeled as "enemy combatants."

Key Details on Guantanamo Deportations

What is the purpose of deporting immigrants to Guantanamo?

The deportations aim to alleviate pressure on U.S. detention centers by relocating irregular migrants accused of crimes to Guantanamo.

Who is overseeing the expansion of the Guantanamo facility?

Tom Homan, appointed by Donald Trump, is tasked with overseeing the rapid construction and expansion of the detention facility.

How many migrants could potentially be held at Guantanamo?

The facility is being prepared to house up to 30,000 detainees, although initial numbers are expected to be smaller.

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