Mexico Rejects U.S. Plan to Transfer Migrants to Guantanamo Bay

Mexico Rejects U.S. Transfer of Migrants to Guantanamo Bay

The Mexican government has firmly stated it will not permit the United States to send Mexican migrants to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba. This declaration was made by Mexico’s Foreign Minister, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, on Tuesday.

Direct Reception of Migrants Preferred

Foreign Minister de la Fuente highlighted that rather than accommodating migrant transfers to Guantanamo, Mexico would prefer to directly receive the displaced individuals. This stance emphasizes Mexico’s commitment to handling its own nationals in accordance with humanitarian principles.

Official Communication to the U.S.

The Mexican government has taken diplomatic measures to communicate its position. They sent a formal diplomatic note to the U.S. embassy in Mexico outlining their objections to the proposed plans.

White House Plans for Migrant Flights

This situation arises in the wake of remarks made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed that the Trump administration has commenced flights transporting detained migrants from the U.S. to Guantanamo Bay. However, she did not provide specifics regarding the nationalities of the individuals being transported.

Details on the Migrant Transfer Flights

Leavitt confirmed that the first flights from the U.S. to Guantanamo Bay included illegal migrants. She stated, “Today the first flights from the United States to Guantanamo Bay with illegal migrants are underway.” This initiative aligns with President Trump’s promise to exploit the camp’s capacity for apprehended individuals accused of significant violations of immigration laws.

Expansion Plans for Guantanamo Bay

President Donald Trump has further announced plans to expand Guantanamo Bay, with intentions to accommodate up to 30,000 so-called “criminal illegal aliens.” The facility, established for detaining those involved in terrorist activities post-9/11, has drawn international condemnation for human rights violations related to detainee treatment.

Current Status of Migrants

According to Pentagon sources, the initial flights from Fort Bliss to Guantanamo Bay included approximately a dozen migrants. An additional flight departed the United States on Monday, indicating an ongoing effort to relocate these individuals.

Separation of Detainees

These migrants are set to be housed in a section of the detention center separate from the existing 15 detainees, many of whom are associated with the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This segregation aims to clarify the differing circumstances surrounding their detentions.

International Backlash Against U.S. Policy

Last week, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel criticized the U.S. government’s attempt to send migrants to Guantanamo. He described the action as an “act of brutality,” voicing concerns regarding the ethical implications of such policies. In a translated statement, he expressed discontent with the forcible expulsion of migrants to an area notorious for its history of torture and illegal detention.

Final Thoughts: A Humanitarian Dilemma

The proposed move to transfer Mexican migrants to Guantanamo Bay raises significant humanitarian concerns and has sparked considerable debate. With Mexico’s determined refusal to allow such actions, this matter continues to evolve, highlighting the complexities of international migration and the varying governmental responses involved.

Reuters contributed to this report.