Shift in Immigration Strategies: Transfers from Guantanamo to Louisiana Spark Debate

Forty “high-threat illegal aliens” quietly transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Louisiana as the Trump administration prepares to implement more aggressive deportation policies.

Key Insights

All 40 illegal migrants previously detained at Guantánamo Bay have been transferred to Louisiana, including 23 classified as “high-threat illegal aliens”
The $16 million migrant camp at Guantánamo Bay with 195 tents costing $3.1 million each remains unused as the facilities don’t meet ICE standards
Defense officials were not informed of the reason for the transfer, and ICE has not responded to inquiries about the operation
The Trump administration is expected to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations, particularly targeting the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang
Plans to establish a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantánamo Bay were halted in February after initial preparations began

Migrants Transferred Without Explanation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred all 40 illegal migrants previously detained at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to Louisiana. The group included 23 individuals classified as “high-threat illegal aliens” and 17 other migrants, according to defense officials. The transfer was conducted using ICE aircraft, leaving no migrants currently housed at the naval base and no scheduled flights to bring more in the immediate future.

U.S. defense officials were not informed why the migrants were sent back to American soil, and both the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to media inquiries about the unexpected move. The migrants were flown to a processing facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, where they now await further processing and potential deportation proceedings.

Illegal migrants detained at Guantanamo Bay were moved this week to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, according to the Department of Defense. pic.twitter.com/CrswHGN1E3

— The National Desk (@TND) March 14, 2025

Abandoned Plans for Expanded Detention Facilities

Earlier this year, significant resources were allocated toward establishing migrant detention capabilities at the Cuban base. A camp consisting of 195 tents was constructed at Guantánamo Bay at a cost of $16 million, with each tent costing approximately $3.1 million. However, these facilities have gone unused as they reportedly do not meet ICE standards, lacking basic amenities such as air conditioning.

“to instruct the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay.”

In January, President Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare accommodations for up to 30,000 “criminal illegal aliens” at the base. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had characterized the facility as appropriate for holding “the worst of the worst” and called it “the perfect place to provide for migrants who are traveling out of our country.” Despite these initial directives, the operation to expand detention capabilities was halted in February for reasons that remain unclear.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Southern Command on Thursday said that no “illegal aliens” are being held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba after 40 immigrants were flown off the base on Tuesday to Louisiana. https://t.co/6aHLfCnLsz

— WCBD News 2 | Count on 2 (@WCBD) March 14, 2025

Legal Strategy Shifts and Future Immigration Enforcement

As the migrant detention situation at Guantánamo Bay evolves, the administration appears to be shifting its legal approach to immigration enforcement. President Trump is expected to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime law that would potentially allow for faster deportations of individuals from nations designated as enemies of the United States. The law would specifically target members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, which has been identified as a particular concern for U.S. law enforcement.

“eradicating the scourge”

The Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security are reportedly reconsidering how the Guantánamo Bay facilities might be utilized for immigration enforcement purposes. Meanwhile, some U.S. troops stationed at the base may be relocated to support border security missions along the southern border with Mexico. This reprioritization suggests a strategic realignment of resources as the administration continues to implement its immigration policies.

The abandonment of the Guantánamo Bay migrant facility after significant expenditure has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Rep. Sara Jacobs has characterized the initiative as being primarily for political optics rather than practical operational value. The future of migrant detention at Guantánamo Bay remains uncertain as federal agencies review their approach to managing immigration enforcement.