Senators Criticize Costly Guantánamo Migrant Detention Operation

Five senators have denounced the ongoing migrant operation at Guantánamo Bay, noting a staggering $40 million cost in the first month while questioning the necessity of using military resources for this purpose.

Five senators recently visited the U.S. Navy base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to assess the government's controversial migrant detention operation, which has raised eyebrows over its hefty financial costs and operational practices. The senators, who toured the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities housing about 85 detainees—including individuals previously connected to Al Qaeda—have called the effort a significant misuse of resources given that it costs approximately $40 million in its first month alone.

Since February, the administration has transported fewer than 400 men—many of whom are Venezuelan—to Guantánamo as part of President Trump’s strategy to address illegal immigration. Notably, half of those detained have already been repatriated to domestic facilities without clear justification on why temporary housing at Guantánamo was necessary for such short durations. As of Sunday, 105 immigration detainees remain at the base.

Senator Jack Reed from New Hampshire expressed frustration on behalf of the delegation, arguing that the administration is misappropriating military personnel by reallocating them to Guantánamo instead of focusing on their primary missions. Reed emphasized the alarming financial implications of the operation, citing the $40 million cost during a time when resources could be better utilized elsewhere.

The critique highlights a growing concern about the handling of the migrant crisis and the adequacy of resources allocated for these operations. As public scrutiny increases, the allocation of military and financial resources will likely continue to spark debate amid an ongoing national discussion on immigration policies.