U.S. Expands Guantanamo Bay for Migrant Detention, Sparks Controversy

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Sunday declined to specify whether migrant women, children, or families would be included in plans to expand the Guantanamo Bay detention center, emphasizing the use of all available facilities under the law. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in an interview on NBC News‘ “Meet the Press,” reiterated the administration’s focus on detaining “the worst of the worst” among undocumented immigrants.

The announcement follows President Donald Trump‘s recent decision to expand a detention facility at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The facility, historically used to detain individuals linked to terrorism, will now also house migrants awaiting deportation. Noem stated, “Due process will be followed, and having facilities at Guantanamo Bay will be an asset to us.”

Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan emphasized that the administration’s priority is targeting individuals with criminal records. “The worst of the worst need to go to Guantanamo Bay,” Homan said during an appearance on Fox News‘ “Sunday Morning Futures.” He added that the facility would be significantly expanded to accommodate the new detainees.

However, Noem avoided directly answering whether women and children would be held at Guantanamo Bay. “We’re going to use the facilities that we have,” she said, noting that other detention centers across the country would also be utilized. “We will utilize what we have according to what’s appropriate for the individuals.”

The expansion plan has drawn criticism from Democrats and human rights advocates. Senator Mark Kelly called the decision “very frightening,” while advocacy groups have raised concerns about indefinite detention and potential abuses. The facility, established in 2002, has long been criticized for its treatment of detainees, including allegations of torture.

Guantanamo Bay’s migrant facility has previously been used to detain Haitians and Cubans during the Clinton administration. Recent Democratic presidents have sought to close the base, but Trump has vowed to keep it open. The administration has not disclosed the cost of the expansion or detailed how long migrants would be held at the facility.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also received approval to detain migrants at other military installations, including Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado. The administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions have sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that the use of Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention represents a troubling escalation.