Key Takeaways:
- Trump aimed to send 30,000 migrants to Guantanamo Bay but only 32 are there.
- Each detainee has 22 guards, and unused tents were erected at a cost of $3 million.
- The government has no plans to expand the operation further.
Introduction
President Trump’s ambitious plan to send 30,000 migrants to Guantanamo Bay has hit a roadblock, with only 32 migrants currently detained. Known for housing high-risk prisoners, Guantanamo now holds a small number of migrants, highlighting the plan’s underwhelming execution.
A Vision Unfulfilled
Trump envisioned Guantanamo as a solution for housing migrants, but the reality is far from his goal. The significant gap between the target and current numbers underscores the plan’s struggle to gain momentum.
A Detention Center’s Current State
With only 32 migrants, the center is vastly underutilized. Each detainee is guarded by 22 personnel, revealing a disproportionate allocation of resources.
Tents Erected, Tents Removed
Satellite images show rapid changes in infrastructure. Tents built in February were mostly removed by April, having never been used. This highlights the rushed and inefficient preparation for a migrant surge that never materialized.
Costly Preparations
The operation’s initial month cost $40 million, with $3 million spent on unused tents. This expenditure raises questions about resource allocation and planning efficiency.
Government’s Stance
The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security do not intend to pursue Trump’s large-scale vision. The focus remains on the current, smaller operation, indicating a shift in strategy.
Conclusion
Trump’s plan to use Guantanamo for mass migrant detention has not succeeded. With minimal detainees, excessive guard numbers, and unused infrastructure, the initiative is marked by underutilization and high costs. The government’s decision not to expand signals a move away from this approach, leaving the future of Guantanamo’s role in immigration policy uncertain.