Guantanamo Bay detention policies face renewed scrutiny as U.S. officials confirm migrants now have phone access to legal counsel. According to a February 2025 court filing, Juan Agudelo, an ICE Acting Field Office Director, stated 178 Venezuelan nationals with final removal orders are detained at the facility. The Department of Homeland Security is assessing feasibility and necessity for in-person attorney visits following pressure from advocacy groups.
The ACLU facilitated phone calls between lawyers and three detainees on February 17, intensifying debates over due process.
Camp VI currently houses 127 individuals, while 51 remain at the Migrant Operations Center,Agudelo disclosed. Notably, two detainees linked to this lawsuit are accused of ties to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
- 178 total detainees: All from Venezuela
- 127 held in high-security Camp VI
- 51 in Migrant Operations Center
Critics challenge claims that Guantanamo detainees represent the worst of the worst, as families assert many lack criminal records. ABC News recently reported discrepancies between ICE’s violent migrant classification and detainee backgrounds. The Trump administration’s 2024 policy shift redirected non-combatant migrants to Guantanamo, sparking legal challenges over human rights violations.
Advocacy groups argue restricted attorney access violates constitutional rights. With 15% of detainees reportedly lacking legal representation, ongoing lawsuits could reshape U.S. immigration enforcement protocols. As evaluations continue, advocates demand transparency regarding detention criteria and counsel visitation timelines.