Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed that Guantanamo Bay will serve as a temporary holding facility for high-risk criminal migrants. In a recent interview on "Fox and Friends," he emphasized that all available measures will be considered for addressing cartel activity. This announcement follows President Trump's directive to prepare the detention camp to accommodate a significant number of individuals.
President Trump's initial announcement indicated an executive order, but it was later clarified as a presidential memorandum instructing the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to ready the Guantanamo Bay facility. Hegseth reiterated the purpose of this action, stating that it will house the "worst of the worst" until they are repatriated to their countries of origin. He stressed the expectation that these countries be ready to receive them promptly, highlighting the president's commitment to reversing the trend of criminal activity impacting American citizens.
Deserted guard tower within Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Camp Delta at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2016. (Reuters)
When questioned about potential military intervention against cartels, particularly those designated as terrorist organizations, Hegseth refrained from preempting the President's decision. However, he made it clear that all options remain open for consideration when dealing with entities that pose a direct threat to Americans at the border. This comes amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen border security.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released this image Friday, writing on X that "deportation flights have begun." ICE immigration raids have been taking place all across the country since Trump has been sworn in on Jan. 20. (White House)
The Department of Homeland Security recently reported a substantial number of illegal alien removals and returns. This action underscores the administration's focus on addressing immigration concerns and enforcing border security measures.
