President Donald Trump has announced an executive action to prepare Guantanamo Bay Naval Base as a detention facility for up to 30,000 migrants living illegally in the United States. The directive was unveiled during the signing of the Laken Riley Act, the first major piece of legislation from his administration, which mandates the detention of undocumented migrants charged with specific crimes.
"Today, I'm also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay," Trump declared at the White House. He claimed the facility would be used to detain "the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people" and emphasized that many people were unaware of its existing capacity.
The decision has ignited widespread debate, with supporters viewing it as a strong stance on immigration enforcement while critics warn of severe human rights violations and legal challenges. The proposal involves both the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, signalling a shift toward more militarized immigration control.
Guantanamo Bay: A Controversial History
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, located in Cuba, has long been a site of global controversy. Originally leased by the U.S. in 1903, the base has been used for various military operations. However, after the 9/11 attacks, it became notorious as a detention centre for terrorism suspects. The facility has been criticized for indefinite detentions, allegations of torture, and violations of due process. Over the past two decades, approximately 780 detainees have passed through the prison, with only 15 remaining as of January 06, 2025, U.S. government disclosures.
Guantanamo also houses a lesser-known migrant-processing centre, historically used for Haitian and Cuban asylum seekers. Expanding its role to include large-scale migrant detention raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly given its reputation for human rights abuses.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Human rights organizations and legal experts argue that detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay could lead to indefinite detention without trial, violating international law.
"These are detentions that are inescapably bound up with multiple layers of unlawful government conduct over the years&mdash;secret transfers, incommunicado interrogations, forced feeding of hunger strikers, torture, enforced disappearance, and a complete lack of due process," said a prominent human rights advocate.
The expansion of Guantanamo for migrant detention could also attract scrutiny from the international community, as well as potential legal battles within the U.S. court system.
Political and Public Reactions
While some conservative lawmakers and immigration hardliners have praised the move as a necessary measure to combat undocumented migration, civil rights groups and Democratic leaders have voiced strong opposition. Critics argue that treating migrants&mdash;many of whom are seeking asylum&mdash;as criminals contradicts humanitarian principles.
The policy shift also raises questions about the Biden administration's stance, as President Joe Biden had previously expressed a desire to close Guantanamo Bay during his tenure. With Trump pushing for its expanded use, the issue is poised to become a major flashpoint in immigration policy discussions.
Implications for U.S. Immigration Policy
The announcement marks a broader effort by the Trump administration to ramp up immigration enforcement, including mass deportations and military involvement at the U.S.-Mexico border. By utilizing Guantanamo Bay, Trump is signalling a tougher approach that may further strain relations with migrant-origin countries and human rights organizations.
With potential legal battles and international backlash looming, the fate of Trump&rsquo;s Guantanamo migrant detention plan remains uncertain. However, what is clear is that this decision will continue to fuel heated debates on the balance between national security and human rights.

Prisoners in Gautanamo Prison (File Photo Courtesy: Human Rights Watch)

Sparks legal, ethical concerns and human rights outcry

Trump Announces Plan to Detain 30K Migrants at Guantanamo Bay

Sparks legal, ethical concerns and human rights outcry

January 30, 2025 | 12:44 IST