The relocation of migrants to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility began on Tuesday, marked by the departure of the first flight carrying individuals apprehended at the U.S. border. Images obtained by Fox News Digital depict migrants boarding a military aircraft destined for the facility.
This initiative follows President Trump's recent directive to prepare the Guantanamo Bay base to accommodate approximately 30,000 individuals classified as "criminal illegal aliens." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the commencement of these transfers, emphasizing the administration's commitment to utilizing the facility for individuals deemed to have violated U.S. immigration laws and committed crimes within the country.
The initial flight, originating from Fort Bliss, transported approximately a dozen migrants. These individuals will be housed separately from the existing detainees at Guantanamo, which include individuals suspected of involvement in the September 11th attacks. President Trump justified the decision to transfer migrants to Guantanamo Bay, citing the severity of their alleged crimes and concerns about their potential return if held in their countries of origin.
Approximately 380 military personnel are currently supporting operations at Guantanamo Bay, with the number expected to adjust based on Department of Homeland Security requirements. This transfer of migrants is part of a larger deportation strategy by the Trump administration, which recently secured agreements with Venezuela and Colombia for the repatriation of their respective citizens residing illegally in the U.S.
These actions build upon previous measures implemented by the Trump administration, including the deployment of military personnel to the border, the declaration of a national emergency, and policies aimed at restricting asylum claims. The Department of Homeland Security has also focused on increasing the capacity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct arrests and deportations, with daily arrests frequently exceeding 1,000 individuals.
