Miami, FL - President Donald Trump unveiled plans on Wednesday to repurpose the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to detain immigrants accused of serious crimes.
During Wednesday's ceremony, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, mandating the detention of unauthorized immigrants charged with theft and violent offenses.
Named in honor of Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed in 2024, the act received bipartisan support in Congress.
Following the signing, President Trump announced an executive order directing the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to establish a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay with a capacity of up to 30,000 individuals.
He emphasized that this measure targets "the worst criminal illegal aliens" who pose significant threats to public safety.
The Guantanamo Bay detention center has historically been used to hold terrorism suspects and has faced international criticism over allegations of human rights abuses.
The decision to utilize this facility for immigration enforcement has sparked controversy, with human rights organizations expressing concerns about potential violations and the conditions of detention.
Critics argue that this move could lead to indefinite detention without due process and may exacerbate existing issues within the U.S. immigration system.
Supporters, however, assert that it is a necessary step to enhance national security and uphold the rule of law.
The implementation of the plan will require significant logistical coordination and funding to expand the current facilities at Guantanamo Bay.
As the administration moves forward, it is anticipated that legal challenges and political debates will continue to unfold.