The United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, appointed by President Donald Trump, made an official visit to the Guantanamo naval base, located in the far southeast of Cuba, where she issued strong warnings to migrants attempting to enter the country illegally.
Since the installation, known for housing detainees considered highly dangerous, Noem declared: "President Donald Trump said from the beginning that illegal criminals have no place in our homeland. He is fulfilling his promise."
During her tour, the official emphasized that the base is used to detain illegal immigrants who represent a significant threat, referring to them as "the worst of the worst."
This visit occurs in the context of the recent decision by the Trump administration to expand the facilities in Guantánamo to house up to 30,000 migrants, a measure that has sparked controversy and criticism from human rights advocacy organizations.
The expansion of the detention capacity in Guantánamo is part of a series of actions implemented by the government to strengthen border security and tighten immigration policies.
These measures include the authorization for immigration authorities to detain immigrants for minor offenses before they have been convicted, as well as the revocation of temporary protected status for certain groups of migrants.
In line with this policy, the US government has begun transferring detained migrants within its territory to the Guantanamo base.
The first flight with migrants detained in the United States recently arrived at the facility, and these transfers are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Additionally, it has been reported that a second flight with Venezuelan migrants has been sent to Guantánamo, emphasizing the Trump administration's approach to detaining migrants at this facility.
According to information from the Secretary of National Security, the flight included "dangerous criminals" identified as "Venezuelan gang members." The official stated that "some of their crimes include: confessed homicide, wanted in Venezuela for escaping from prison and aggravated robbery with a weapon/attempted homicide, arms trafficking, robbery, distribution of dangerous drugs, assault, and fraud by identity theft."
Kristi Noem, previously the governor of South Dakota from 2019 until 2025 before taking on her current position, has led large-scale operations focused on the detention of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
In January 2025, he led a series of operations in New York, during which he defended the actions of the authorities and used controversial phrases that sparked outrage in various sectors.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of migrants in Guantánamo
Why has the Trump administration decided to use Guantánamo to detain migrants?
The Trump administration has decided to use Guantánamo to detain migrants as part of its policy to strengthen border security, arguing that the base is a suitable location to hold migrants deemed highly dangerous. This measure aims to relieve the pressure on detention centers within U.S. territory.
What kind of migrants are being transferred to Guantánamo?
The migrants relocated to Guantánamo are considered high-risk and have serious criminal backgrounds, such as homicide and drug trafficking. The Trump administration has emphasized that they are "the worst of the worst" and do not pose a threat to American citizens.
What has been the international reaction to the use of Guantanamo for detaining migrants?
The decision to use Guantánamo as a detention center for migrants has generated international criticism. The Cuban government has described the measure as a "brutality" and has warned of potential "serious consequences" for regional stability. Additionally, human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the history of human rights violations at the base.
What measures have been taken to expand detention capacity in Guantánamo?
The Trump administration is expanding the facilities in Guantánamo to accommodate up to 30,000 migrants. This includes the arrival of U.S. Marines to support the expansion of the Migrant Operations Center at the base, increasing its detention capacity and facilitating the deportation of migrants.
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