President Donald Trump has revealed plans to turn the U.S. Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay into a massive migrant detention center, capable of holding up to 30,000 people. The announcement, made as part of his broader immigration crackdown, aims to house migrants who cross the U.S. border illegally, particularly those with criminal records.
“Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens,” Says Trump
In a statement, Trump explained that the facility will focus on detaining migrants who are considered a threat to public safety. “We’re talking about the worst criminal illegal aliens. They don’t belong on our streets,” he said. The administration’s approach centers on national security, with Trump vowing to secure the border “once and for all.”
How Soon Will the Plan Roll Out?
The Department of Defense has been tasked with speeding up preparations, but specific details on when the site will become operational are still unclear. The project marks a significant expansion of Guantánamo’s role, which until now has been associated with holding terrorism suspects.
Reactions Spark Heated Debate
The decision has ignited controversy across the U.S. and abroad. Human rights groups warn that housing migrants at a facility notorious for harsh conditions could lead to abuses. “This is a step backward for America’s values,” said a spokesperson for a leading immigrant advocacy group. But Trump’s supporters see it differently. “It’s about time we had serious enforcement,” one supporter commented. “This will send a clear message to stop illegal crossings.”
Guantánamo’s New Purpose
Built originally as a naval base, Guantánamo Bay became infamous in the early 2000s when it was used to detain terrorism suspects. Trump’s plan marks a dramatic change, turning it into a holding facility for migrants with criminal backgrounds. Critics argue this shift could create international backlash, but officials say it’s a necessary step to deal with a surge of illegal crossings.
