The Trump administration is preparing for a major move that could change how the U.S. handles undocumented migrants.
Large-Scale Transfers Begin to Take Shape
Officials say thousands of foreigners living illegally in the United States may soon be sent to the U.S. military base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. This move could start as early as this week.
Guantánamo Bay, often called “GTMO,” is known worldwide for its past use as a detention center for terror suspects. Now, plans are in place to use this facility again—but this time for migrants who entered the country without legal permission. These individuals are from various parts of the world. A large number are from Europe, including countries like Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland. Others are from regions like Haiti and parts of Eastern Europe.
The U.S. government is not expected to tell the home countries of these people in advance. That includes close U.S. allies such as Britain and France. Officials say the topic is highly sensitive and have only spoken about it on the condition of remaining anonymous.
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Documents shared with a news outlet show that 9,000 people are being medically checked to see if they are healthy enough for transfer. The plan is part of a broader effort by the administration to ease pressure on overcrowded detention centers inside the U.S.
Facilities Not Ready for Big Numbers
The Guantánamo base currently does not hold many people. Earlier this year, only a few hundred migrants were temporarily moved there before being sent back to detention centers in Louisiana. That change was believed to be due to limited space at the base. Now, with the new plan, it is unclear whether the facilities can hold up to 9,000 new detainees.
In January, Trump had said he might send as many as 30,000 migrants to the base. However, that number was never reached. In fact, a large tent city with 195 tents was built earlier this year to prepare for many arrivals. These tents had the capacity to hold more than 3,000 people. But the expected large group never came, and the tents were taken down during the spring without ever being used.
Despite this, officials say Guantánamo is still “not at capacity” and could be used for new arrivals. A recent request was made to expand the base’s medium-security detention area. This section currently has room for 140 people but could be increased to 300, according to information from a congressional aide.
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Pressure to Speed Up Deportations
One reason for this new move is the administration’s aim to deport more undocumented migrants faster. Domestic detention centers are full, and the government is looking for other places to hold people while their cases are processed.
Some countries have agreed to take back their citizens but are not doing so quickly. As a result, U.S. officials are considering holding these individuals at Guantánamo while they wait. Official documents show that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to reduce the amount of time migrants spend at the base. However, the White House may choose to keep them there for longer periods if needed.
A growing number of officials in the administration are pushing for more arrests and deportations. There is a goal to carry out at least 3,000 arrests each day. More officers are being encouraged to detain and remove undocumented individuals across the country.
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the situation. Similarly, the White House has also remained silent. A military spokesperson stated that missions at Guantánamo have not officially changed and declined to speak about future plans.
The current plans are still developing and could change. But as of now, preparations for a large-scale transfer of undocumented foreigners to the Guantánamo base are moving forward. The topic is likely to attract attention and concern from other countries, especially those whose citizens could soon be sent to the military facility known for its controversial past.