In a recent media interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the Department of Defense’s (DOD) dedication to enhancing security at the southern U.S. border. Hegseth highlighted the military’s proactive measures since the beginning of the current administration, emphasizing a renewed focus on protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
“From Day 1, the military has shown its commitment to safeguarding the southern border,” Hegseth stated, referencing a series of executive orders aimed at strengthening border security. He outlined various initiatives undertaken by the DOD, including collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These efforts have involved deploying National Guardsmen, active-duty Marines, and soldiers to the border, as well as enhancing physical barriers to deter illegal crossings.
A significant aspect of Hegseth’s remarks was the announcement of plans to detain certain criminal migrants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Earlier in the day, the president revealed intentions to sign an executive order directing the DOD and DHS to prepare the facility for the potential detention of up to 30,000 criminal migrants.
“President Trump has made it clear that if countries are unwilling to accept their criminals back, we will hold them accountable,” Hegseth asserted. Drawing on his own experience as an officer at Guantanamo Bay during a National Guard deployment from 2004 to 2005, he described the facility as an ideal location for the safe detention of migrants.
Hegseth emphasized that the detention of migrants at Guantanamo would not necessitate the same high-security measures employed for suspected terrorists during military operations in the past. “When Americans think of ‘Gitmo,’ they often envision the detention facilities housing individuals from the Taliban and al-Qaida. That is just one aspect of Guantanamo Bay,” he explained.
He pointed out that the naval station at Guantanamo Bay has a long history of providing support for migrant and refugee resettlement, as well as humanitarian assistance. According to the official website of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, the base has been involved in various migrant operations and regional disaster relief efforts over the years.
“This is not about creating camps,” Hegseth clarified. “This is a temporary transit facility, which aligns with the existing mission of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. We can accommodate thousands—potentially tens of thousands—of individuals to humanely process and return those who do not belong in our country to their home nations.”
Describing the Guantanamo operation as a “plan in movement,” Hegseth indicated that the DOD is actively preparing to expand deportation efforts. “President Trump is fully committed to removing illegal criminals from our country,” he stated. “The DOD is not only ready to assist but is proud to collaborate with DHS in defending the sovereignty of our southern border and advancing this critical mission.”
As the administration moves forward with these plans, the implications for U.S. immigration policy and border security remain significant. The proposed use of Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention has sparked discussions about the effectiveness and ethics of such an approach, as well as its potential impact on U.S. relations with countries of origin for the migrants.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over immigration reform and border security measures, with various stakeholders weighing in on the best strategies to address the complex challenges posed by illegal immigration and border crossings.
As the situation evolves, the DOD and DHS are expected to continue their collaboration to implement the president’s directives and enhance security at the southern border.
