U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the deportation of 177 Venezuelan migrants from Guantanamo Bay to Honduras on Thursday, marking a pivotal shift in border enforcement strategies. This operation follows President Donald Trump’s executive order designating the naval base as a temporary holding site for migrants deemed national security risks.
Court filings reveal the Guantanamo Bay facility was intended as a “temporary stopover” for expedited repatriation. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the policy during a February visit, stating:
“We’re housing the worst of the worst here. These illegal criminals won’t remain on U.S. soil.”
Key developments include:
- 10 military flights initially transported migrants to Guantanamo starting February 4
- Detainees gained phone access to attorneys just hours before deportation
- Uncertainty persists about future migrant transfers to the base
While officials labeled some detainees as Tren de Aragua gang members, specific criminal charges remain undisclosed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued the facility’s maximum-security infrastructure justified its use, asking: “Where else would we hold high-threat individuals before repatriation?”
The DHS continues evaluating protocols for attorney visitation rights despite this mass deportation. With all detainees now removed, debates intensify about Guantanamo’s evolving role in immigration enforcement and potential legal challenges to its operational framework.