The United States has initiated the transfer of illegal immigrants to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba. The first flight, departing from Fort Bliss, Texas, carried approximately a dozen detainees. Currently, the facility can accommodate 120 individuals, but plans are underway to expand its capacity to house up to 30,000 detainees.
This action follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that Guantanamo Bay will be repurposed to detain high-priority criminal aliens who pose significant threats to public safety. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the administration’s commitment to this initiative, stating, “Guantanamo Bay will hold the worst of the worst. That starts today.”
President @realdonaldtrump has been very clear: Guantanamo Bay will hold the worst of the worst. That starts today. pic.twitter.com/Iqxt5rCfWa
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 4, 2025
To support this effort, approximately 200 U.S. Marines have been deployed to Guantanamo Bay, with an additional 300 expected to arrive shortly. Their mission includes constructing new infrastructure to expand the facility’s detention capacity, such as erecting tents and other necessary structures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the commencement of these flights, noting, “The first flights from the United States to Guantanamo Bay with illegal migrants are underway.” She further highlighted President Trump’s resolve in addressing illegal immigration, stating, “He’s not messing around.”
This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance border security and manage the detention of individuals deemed significant security threats. The administration’s executive order specifies that the expanded facilities at Guantanamo Bay are designated for “high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States.”