Trump Administration Unleashes Controversial Plan to Transport Immigrants to Guantanamo Bay

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration made a significant move this Tuesday, sending its first flight of detained migrants from the U.S. to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, utilizing military aircraft. This step underscores President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to his immigration strategy, which aims to emphasize strict enforcement.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared images via social media showing handcuffed men being escorted by immigration officers in tactical gear. According to the Department of Defense, ten individuals labeled as “high-threat” were flown on a C-17 military jet to the naval base.

“Guantanamo Bay will hold the worst of the worst,” Noem stated. “That starts today.” This move aligns with Trump’s recent announcement to utilize the detention facility for up to 30,000 migrants lacking legal status, significantly increasing capacity beyond the current 41,500 beds funded for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The military presence at Guantanamo has been bolstered, with over 150 Marines and Army personnel arriving at the base over the weekend. Currently, more than 300 military staff are stationed there, according to a press release from the U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs Office.

Guantanamo Bay has historically been associated with the detention of terrorism suspects following the September 11, 2001, attacks, and it has faced scrutiny from human rights advocates advocating for its closure due to alleged violations.

Confirming the flights, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt elaborated during an appearance on Fox Business, stating, “The first flights from the United States to Guantanamo Bay with illegal migrants are underway,” and emphasized the president’s serious approach to immigration enforcement.

In a recent NBC interview, Noem was pressed on the potential detention of women, children, and families at Guantanamo Bay but refrained from answering directly. She reiterated, “The priority of this president is to go after criminal aliens that are making our streets more dangerous.”

While Guantanamo Bay has previously been used for migrant detentions—particularly during the 1990s to intercept Cuban and Haitian refugees—this marks a notable shift in operational use by transporting individuals already within U.S. borders.

The Department of Homeland Security has not addressed inquiries regarding the flight origins, leaving officials and observers seeking clarity on this controversial policy.

Last updated 10:13 a.m., Feb. 5, 2025