Senators Critique $40 Million Migrant Policy at Guantánamo Bay

After visiting Guantánamo Bay, five senators criticized the Trump administration's migrant detention efforts that have cost approximately $40 million for fewer than 400 detainees. The operation is seen as a misuse of military resources amidst ongoing immigration challenges.

Five U.S. senators recently condemned the Trump administration's ongoing migrant detention operation at Guantánamo Bay, labeling it a significant waste of taxpayer resources. Following their visit, it was revealed that the Department of Defense estimated the operation has already cost around $40 million in just its first month. The delegation, which included influential members of Congress, inspected the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities where approximately 85 migrants are currently housed, notably within a prison that historically held wartime detainees associated with Al Qaeda.

The government has sent less than 400 men to the base since February, with at least half originating from Venezuela, part of the administration's broader crackdown on illegal immigration. In a surprising revelation, many of these detainees have been returned to facilities in the United States after short stays at Guantánamo, raising questions about the necessity of their detention at such a high-profile location.

Senator Jack Reed from New Hampshire, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, criticized the diversion of military personnel from their core duties to manage the migrant crisis at Guantánamo. He expressed concerns regarding the allocation of both funds and manpower toward this contentious undertaking, calling for reevaluation of the strategy towards handling migrants and better resource management. As of the latest reports, 105 immigration detainees remain at the base, highlighting ongoing challenges in the U.S. immigration system.