Gitmo played major deportation role in early part of Trump’s first 100 days
Guantánamo Bay, also known as Gitmo, has long been synonymous with housing some of America’s most dangerous enemies, including the al-Qaeda terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. However, in the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, the notorious federal prison gained renewed attention as the administration began sending criminal illegal aliens to the facility.
President Trump authorized the detention of illegal immigrants at Guantánamo shortly after taking office, citing the need to ensure that the most dangerous individuals would not pose a threat to the American public upon their release. The Pentagon was tasked with preparing 30,000 beds at the base to accommodate these “worst of the worst” criminal migrants.
The decision to send criminal migrants to Guantánamo was part of the administration’s broader efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and combat the scourge of migrant crime in American communities. The State Department’s declaration of several migrant gangs as foreign terrorist organizations further underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Among those sent to Guantánamo were members of the international terrorist and criminal group Tren de Aragua, which has been linked to Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and has a presence in major American cities. The Department of Defense stated that the migrants housed at the base were only there temporarily until they could be transported to their country of origin or another appropriate destination.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Guantánamo and praised the troops for their role in apprehending and deporting dangerous illegal aliens. However, the administration faced challenges in expanding the base’s capacity to accommodate the 30,000 beds initially planned.
Despite difficulties with setting up tents to house migrants, a congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers visited Guantánamo and expressed confidence in the base’s operational readiness. Eventually, the remaining illegal migrants at Guantánamo were sent back to the United States to be held in Louisiana.
While it remains unclear whether Guantánamo will be used to hold migrants in the future, the U.S. has begun partnering with El Salvador to send illegal gang members to the country’s Terrorist Confinement Center. This collaborative effort aims to address the threat posed by criminal migrants and protect American communities from harm.
As the administration continues to navigate the complex issue of illegal immigration, Guantánamo Bay remains a key player in the ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s borders and ensure the safety of its citizens.
