Overview
- At least 9,000 migrants who entered the US illegally are under review for interim detention at Guantánamo Bay before deportation to their home countries.
- About 800 of those flagged are European nationals from countries such as Germany, France, and Italy, including two confirmed German citizens.
- The Department of Homeland Security does not intend to inform migrants’ home governments prior to relocation, prompting Italy to seek further clarification in a call with Secretary of State Rubio.
- Administration officials say the measure is intended to deter future illegal immigration and relieve capacity pressures on mainland detention facilities, with operations expected to begin this week.
- Human rights organizations and some Pentagon personnel have raised alarms over Guantánamo’s past abuses, limited medical care and harsh climate as grounds for concern.