Guantanamo Bay to House 30,000 Migrants Under Trump’s New Executive Order

On January 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to utilize the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to house up to 30,000 individuals, primarily targeting those he described as “the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people.” He emphasized the facility’s capacity and its role in detaining individuals considered too dangerous to be held elsewhere.

Guantanamo Bay, located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, has been a U.S. naval base since 1903. In 2002, following the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. established a detention camp there to hold individuals captured during the “War on Terror.” At its peak, the facility housed nearly 800 detainees. As of January 2025, only 15 detainees remain, with ongoing debates about the facility’s future.

The proposal to expand Guantanamo’s use for detaining a large number of migrants marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration and detention policy. Historically, Guantanamo has been associated with holding terrorism suspects, and its use has been a subject of international debate and criticism. The facility has faced scrutiny over allegations of human rights abuses and the legal status of its detainees.

The announcement has sparked discussions about the ethical and legal implications of detaining migrants in a facility known for its association with terrorism suspects. Critics argue that such a move could lead to human rights violations and question the legality of using military detention facilities for immigration enforcement. Supporters, however, contend that it is a necessary measure to protect national security and manage immigration effectively.

As the administration moves forward with this plan, it is expected to face legal challenges and international scrutiny. The decision underscores the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding U.S. immigration policy and the use of detention facilities.