Unpacking Guantánamo’s Role in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Key Insights Revealed

Two months after President Trump directed preparations at Guantánamo Bay for 30,000 migrants, current findings reveal about 400 migrants are held there, costing taxpayers more than $40 million. The military oversees their care, employing around 1,000 staff, creating a striking ratio of five personnel for each migrant.

Despite transitioning some detainees, the facility is ill-prepared for the anticipated influx. U.S. Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey highlighted that housing 30,000 migrants would necessitate a significant mobilization of over 9,000 military personnel—a move not yet mandated. Presently, Guantánamo can accommodate a mere 180 at two facilities, originally designated for high-security detainees.

The department of Homeland Security has turned to the Pentagon for additional space, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) manages about 45,000 high-threat detainees. Currently, 45 migrants, mainly from various Central and South American nations, reside at Guantánamo, including 36 within a designated prison facility. Recently, 44 Nicaraguans were repatriated, illustrating the operational dynamics and ongoing adjustments of the migration policy directly impacting Guantánamo.

Further scrutiny envelops unusable tents, costing taxpayers approximately $3 million, erected post-executive order but deemed inadequate for safe housing of medium to high-risk migrants. Concerns over security and safety during hurricane season underscore these logistical challenges.