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Trump Initiates Construction of Migrant Detention Center in Guantánamo for 30,000 People

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 by Oscar Guevara

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to build a detention facility at the naval base in Guantánamo, Cuba, capable of holding up to 30,000 migrants. During a ceremony where he signed the Laken Riley Act, marking the first legislative move of his new administration, Trump clarified that the initiative aims to tighten immigration control and detain migrants accused of serious crimes.

Trump emphasized that individuals living illegally in the United States who cannot be deported to their home countries will be sent to the eastern Cuba naval base. "We will send them to Guantánamo," the president declared in the White House's East Room.

The Guantánamo naval base has a history of housing detainees during the U.S.-led war on terror, and in past decades, numerous Cuban rafters were sent there. Now, it will be designated for those residing illegally in the country who cannot be deported due to various circumstances, Trump suggested.

The Laken Riley Act was named to honor Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was murdered in February 2024 by José Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan living in the country illegally. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without parole in November.

During the signing of the law, Trump emphasized that this measure represents a "legislative milestone" and a "tremendous tribute" to the late young woman. "What is happening today is a huge tribute to your daughter," he stated. "It's very sad that we have to do this, but this law will save countless lives," added Trump, who is at the center of several controversies over his aggressive immigration policies.

The law stipulates that individuals residing in the country illegally and accused of violent crimes or theft can be detained and potentially deported, even before a judicial conviction occurs.

At the end of Joe Biden's presidency, he released 11 prisoners who had been held at Guantánamo for extended periods; however, 15 men remained, six of whom were never formally charged with any crime, and three had been approved for release.

Key Questions About the Guantánamo Detention Center

What is the purpose of the new detention center in Guantánamo?

The new detention center in Guantánamo is intended to hold up to 30,000 migrants, particularly those living illegally in the United States who cannot be deported to their countries of origin. It aims to reinforce immigration control and detain individuals accused of serious crimes.

What is the Laken Riley Act?

The Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an illegal immigrant, is a legislative measure that allows for the detention and potential deportation of individuals living illegally in the U.S. who are accused of violent crimes or theft, even before a court conviction.

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