Trump Orders Detention of 30,000 Illegal Immigrants in Guantanamo Bay.
Washington, D.C. – In a significant move against illegal immigration, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order authorizing the expansion of a detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. According to reports from The Hill, this facility will be used to detain up to 30,000 illegal immigrants before their deportation.
Trump’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
President Trump’s latest directive aims to establish a large-scale detention center for what he describes as “the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.” Speaking on Wednesday, Trump emphasized the necessity of such a facility, stating, “Some of these individuals are so dangerous that we cannot trust them to be sent back to their home countries. That’s why we are going to send them to Guantanamo. This move will double our capacity immediately.”
Guantanamo Bay, located in southeastern Cuba, currently houses a high-security prison for foreign terrorism suspects, originally constructed after the 9/11 attacks. It also serves as a detention center for migrants intercepted at sea. However, official government records do not disclose details about the existing facility’s capacity or its use in immigration enforcement.
Background of Guantanamo’s Immigration Role
The New York Times previously reported in February 2023 that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had used the Guantanamo facility to detain at least four individuals. The new executive order directs the Department of Defense (DoD) and DHS to expand the facility to its full capacity to accommodate “high-priority criminal immigrants.”
This order follows Trump’s recent signing of the Laken Riley Act, a law mandating the detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. Named after a 22-year-old nursing student murdered by an illegal Venezuelan immigrant in 2023, the act has intensified discussions on immigration policy and border security.
Immediate Actions and Broader Implications
Under Trump’s directive, the DoD and DHS are required to take “all appropriate actions” to ensure the facility’s expansion meets the needs of immigration enforcement. This move aligns with a series of executive actions taken by Trump since returning to office on January 20, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border and deploying military personnel to enforce border security measures.
Trump has also suspended the U.S. refugee resettlement program and revoked temporary protected status for individuals fleeing humanitarian crises, reflecting his administration’s tough stance on immigration.
International Reactions and Criticism
Cuba has condemned Trump’s decision, with its foreign minister criticizing the move as an “affront to human rights and international law.” The Cuban government has long opposed the U.S. military presence at Guantanamo Bay and considers the naval base an illegal occupation.
Amnesty International also issued a statement denouncing the decision, stating that “Guantanamo has been a site of torture, indefinite detention without trial, and other human rights abuses.” The organization has urged the Biden administration to close the facility in the past, citing legal and ethical concerns.
Meanwhile, a Pentagon report reveals that the Guantanamo Bay detention complex currently holds only 15 prisoners, marking the lowest population in its 22-year history. The decrease was largely due to former President Joe Biden’s efforts to transfer remaining detainees to third countries during his final months in office.
Future of Trump’s Immigration Policies
As Trump continues to implement hardline immigration policies, political and legal challenges are expected. His administration’s strategy has already ignited debates in Congress and among human rights organizations. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, immigration policy is poised to remain a central issue in American politics.
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