Trump stated that he wants to lock up ‘the worst illegal immigrant criminals threatening the American people.’
His Immigration Policy
This decision, unprecedented in its radicalism, is part of his repressive and controversial immigration policy.
The worst criminals
Without providing details on the conditions of detention, Trump stated he wanted to imprison “the worst illegal immigrant criminals threatening the American people.”
Symbolic and Controversial
Guantanamo is a highly symbolic and controversial military site, which has already been used for the detention of alleged terrorists and for managing migration crises.
Legal ambiguity
The idea of incarcerating 30,000 migrants evokes strong reactions, due to the risks of human rights violations and the legal ambiguity surrounding the status of these detainees.
No criminal record
Civil rights advocacy groups denounce a generalized criminalization of migrants, deeming this approach dangerous. Indeed, recent ICE raids, which are supposed to target criminals, also apprehend many immigrants with no criminal record, raising questions about the criteria for sending individuals to Guantánamo.
The past controversies
Moreover, several experts highlight the logistical and humanitarian challenges of such an operation, recalling the past controversies of the Guantanamo detention center.
Terrorism Suspects
Since 2002, Guantanamo has been used as a military prison for terrorism suspects, starting with the Bush administration after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Currently, the facility reportedly still has 15 detainees.
Widely Criticized
This center has been widely criticized for its torture practices, unlimited detentions, and human rights violations.
Barack Obama
In 2009, Barack Obama signed a decree aimed at closing Guantánamo, denouncing human rights violations and the lack of trial for detainees.
The Republicans
However, the American Congress, dominated by the Republicans, blocked the transfer of prisoners to American territory, making the closure impossible despite several attempts.