DHS Secretary Noem Announces Second Flight of High-Risk Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay

On Friday, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), revealed that a second flight to Guantanamo Bay carrying what she described as “dangerous criminal aliens” had departed just as she prepares to visit the facility where up to 30,000 migrants could eventually be detained.

Details of the Flight

Noem announced on X that, “A second flight of dangerous criminal aliens took off for Guantanamo Bay yesterday. ALL are known gang members from Venezuela.” The Secretary outlined that notable passengers on this flight included individuals with serious criminal backgrounds—one who confessed to homicide and another wanted in Venezuela for escaping imprisonment and for aggravated robbery with intent to kill.

Criminal Profiles of the Passengers

Interestingly, reports indicate that the crimes associated with these individuals extend beyond murder. Included among those on board are suspects involved in weapons trafficking, robbery, drug distribution, and assault, as well as cases of impersonation fraud.

According to Fox News, the flight consisted of 13 Venezuelan men, some of whom are considered affiliated with the notorious gang, Tren de Aragua.

Upcoming Visit to Guantanamo Bay

This recent flight follows another that took place just two days earlier. On Friday, Noem will tour the Guantanamo Bay facility, where she intends to observe the detention and processing centers and participate in briefings about the ongoing operations.

Background of the Policy Shift

Last week, former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare for the possible relocation of up to 30,000 individuals to the military base. Alongside this directive, approximately 380 service members are currently assisting in the operational support at Naval Station Guantanamo, with the number of personnel fluctuating based on the demands presented by DHS.

Housing Arrangements for Criminal Migrants

The Department of Defense has clarified that these criminal migrants are currently housed in vacant detention facilities as a temporary measure. This arrangement aims to ensure the “safe and secure” detention of these individuals until they can be either repatriated or relocated to appropriate destinations.

Focus on the ‘Worst of the Worst’

DHS confirmed that the Guantanamo Bay facility will serve primarily to accommodate only the most dangerous offenders. This decision is rooted in a broader initiative to expedite mass deportations that the Trump administration initiated from day one in office. Under this initiative, a national emergency was declared at the southern border, leading to military deployment as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal immigration.

Immigration Policies Under Review

DHS’s efforts have included numerous strategies aimed at freeing up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to carry out arrests and deportations more effectively. In fact, reports indicate that officers are detaining over 1,000 illegal immigrants daily as part of this increased enforcement effort.

Additionally, reports emerged on Thursday indicating that any prospective releases of detainees from ICE custody must now receive approval from the acting director. ICE has also sought approximately $575 million in advance funding from the Office of Management and Budget to facilitate a quicker response and work towards a target of 100,000 beds and 1 million deportations annually.

Looking Ahead

The current measures and actions signify a pivotal shift in U.S. immigration policies, focusing on stringent enforcement and rapid deportation of criminals. As DHS continues to implement these strategies, the future of immigration in the United States remains a topic of immense national interest and debate.

This report was contributed to by Fox News’ Alexis McAdams, Peter Pinedo, and Bill Melugin.