Following a tour of immigration facilities at Guantánamo Bay, five senators condemned the U.S. government's spending of $40 million to detain migrants there, with concerns over resource allocation and the treatment of detainees.
Senators Slam $40 Million Guantánamo Migrant Operation as Wasteful
Senators Slam $40 Million Guantánamo Migrant Operation as Wasteful
A recent visit by five U.S. senators to Guantánamo Bay revealed that $40 million has been spent on detaining nearly 400 migrants, leading to bipartisan criticism of the operation.
Five U.S. senators criticized the financial and ethical implications of a migrant detention operation at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, that has cost a staggering $40 million in just the first month. The lawmakers made the remarks following their visit to the U.S. Navy base, where they inspected Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities housing approximately 85 migrants.
According to military estimates, the government has detained fewer than 400 men, predominantly Venezuelans, since the program's inception in February as part of President Trump's immigration enforcement strategy. The senators expressed frustration over allegations that many of those migrants were unnecessarily stationed at Guantánamo for short stays, with about half subsequently returned to facilities within the United States without clear explanations.
Senator Jack Reed of New Hampshire, who was part of the visiting delegation, highlighted that the operation has diverted substantial military resources, criticizing the administration for prioritizing the migration effort over primary defense missions. As the current status stands, there were 105 immigration detainees at the base as of this past Sunday, showcasing a costly endeavor that has raised questions about federal resource management and humanitarian treatment.
