Trump orders new migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, January 30th, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has authorized the construction of a new migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, which is expected to house up to 30,000 individuals. This new facility, separate from the high-security military prison, will be dedicated to holding “the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people.”
The US government has long used Guantanamo Bay for housing immigrants, a practice criticized by human rights groups. Trump’s “border tsar” Tom Homan confirmed that the existing facility will be expanded and managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Migrants intercepted at sea by the US Coast Guard will be transported directly to the facility, where “highest” detention standards will be applied.
The cost and completion date of the facility remain unclear. Cuba’s government condemned the plan, accusing the US of torture and illegal detention on “occupied” land.
The announcement follows the signing of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for theft or violent crimes until trial. Trump stated the Guantanamo facility would double the US’s capacity to detain undocumented migrants.
While the US has used Guantanamo Bay’s existing Migrant Operations Center for decades, a 2024 report accused the government of holding migrants in “inhumane” conditions. The Trump administration has confirmed that the expanded facility will serve as a detention center.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that funding for the facility would be allocated through “reconciliation and appropriations.” Cuban officials swiftly condemned the plan, calling it an act of brutality and a violation of international law.