Forty “high-threat illegal aliens” detained at Guantanamo Bay have been unexpectedly transferred to Louisiana while federal officials remain silent on the reasons behind this significant security move.
Key Takeaways
- All 40 migrants previously held at Guantánamo Bay have been transferred to Louisiana, including 23 classified as “high-threat illegal aliens”
- The transfer occurred via ICE aircraft with no explanation from defense officials or Homeland Security about the motivation behind the relocation
- President Trump had previously ordered preparations for a 30,000-bed facility at Guantánamo Bay for “criminal illegal aliens” that was later halted
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had suggested Guantánamo could house “the worst of the worst” criminals
- 195 tents costing $16 million were set up at Guantánamo but never used as they failed to meet ICE standards
Unexplained Transfer of High-Risk Migrants
The U.S. government has relocated all 40 illegal migrants previously detained at Guantánamo Bay to Louisiana. This group includes 23 individuals specifically classified as “high-threat illegal aliens” and 17 other migrants. The transfer was conducted using Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aircraft, leaving no migrants currently held at the naval base. Defense officials were not informed of the reasoning behind this sudden transfer, and both the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The unexpected move raises questions about future migrant detention policy. Currently, it remains unclear whether the U.S. government plans to continue holding migrants at Guantánamo Bay in the future. The naval base, primarily known for detaining terrorism suspects, has historically served as a key operational hub. Recent developments suggest a policy shift may be underway concerning how and where high-risk migrants are detained and processed within the American immigration system.
Illegal migrants detained at Guantanamo Bay were moved this week to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, according to the Department of Defense. pic.twitter.com/CrswHGN1E3
— The National Desk (@TND) March 14, 2025
Failed Detention Expansion at Guantánamo
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had initiated plans for a significant expansion of migrant detention capabilities at the base. In January, President Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare facilities with 30,000 beds at Guantánamo Bay specifically designated for “criminal illegal aliens.” However, this operation was abruptly halted in February after considerable resources had already been committed to the project. The policy reversal left 195 specially constructed tents sitting unused at the facility.
“to instruct the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay.” – President Donald Trump
These tents, despite their $16 million price tag with each costing approximately $3.1 million, were never utilized because they failed to meet ICE standards. Reports indicate the structures lacked basic amenities such as air conditioning that would be required for proper detention conditions. The Department of Defense and Homeland Security are reportedly reconsidering the use of the base for migrant detention purposes following these setbacks and the recent transfer of all detainees to Louisiana.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Southern Command on Thursday said that no “illegal aliens” are being held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba after 40 immigrants were flown off the base on Tuesday to Louisiana. https://t.co/6aHLfCnLsz
— WCBD News 2 | Count on 2 (@WCBD) March 14, 2025
Future Immigration Enforcement Plans
The transfer occurs against the backdrop of broader immigration enforcement strategies being developed by the administration. President Trump is reportedly exploring the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as a mechanism for expediting deportations. This centuries-old wartime law would potentially allow for the detention or deportation of natives and citizens from nations designated as enemies. Initial reports suggest the administration plans to target members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang under this legal framework.
“the worst of the worst” – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Some officials have suggested redeploying U.S. troops from Guantánamo Bay to assist with southern border security missions. This potential realignment of resources follows statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described Guantánamo as “the perfect place to provide for migrants who are traveling out of our country.” The 41 migrants from the base were reportedly flown to a processing facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, though the ultimate disposition of these individuals remains unclear as federal agencies maintain their silence on the matter.
Sources:
- All illegal migrants held in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, have been sent to Louisiana
- Remaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay moved to Louisiana to await deportation
