President Trump Orders Expansion of Guantanamo Bay to Detain Undocumented Migrants

In a significant move on immigration policy, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order directing federal agencies to prepare a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, capable of holding up to 30,000 undocumented migrants. The order mandates the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand detention capacity at the site, specifically for “high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States.”

Speaking from the White House, President Trump emphasized the need for stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants with criminal records. “Most people don’t even know about it. We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately,” Trump said.

Linked to the Laken Riley Act

The announcement came as Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, a new law requiring the detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft-related crimes. The act is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student who was tragically killed, allegedly by an undocumented migrant. The case reignited debates over immigration enforcement and led to renewed calls for tougher border security measures.

The decision to expand detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay has already sparked political and public debate. Critics argue that using the military-run facility, originally intended for terror suspects, for housing undocumented migrants raises human rights concerns. Meanwhile, supporters see it as a necessary step to ensure public safety and curb illegal immigration.

As the order takes effect, DHS and the Pentagon are expected to provide further details on the timeline and logistics for expanding the detention facility at Guantanamo.