Guantanamo Bay To House Thousands Of Illegal Immigrants Under Trump’s Orders

President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies to make full use of a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, planning to hold tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes. His administration has ordered the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to immediately expand capacity at the naval base.

Trump said many of these individuals cannot be safely released. “Most people don’t even know that we have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people,” he said. The expansion will allow U.S. officials to detain high-risk individuals who might otherwise return to the country.

The military base in Cuba has long been used for national security operations, including the detention of suspected terrorists. However, a lesser-known section of the base has been utilized for migrant detention for years. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed that the administration is building on an existing program rather than creating a new one.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the site will be used for processing and deportation rather than indefinite detention. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that removing dangerous individuals remains a top priority for the administration.

Since returning to office, Trump’s administration has removed more than 7,300 illegal immigrants, focusing on those with criminal records. His executive orders have also directed military support at the southern border and tightened asylum restrictions.

Cuba’s government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, condemned the move and accused the U.S. of violating Cuban sovereignty. The administration has dismissed these criticisms, arguing that using Guantanamo Bay will prevent dangerous criminals from re-entering the U.S.