Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United States government to immediately cease the transfer of immigrant detainees to the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. The organization warns that these individuals are subjected to “abusive and inhumane detention conditions” that may constitute ill-treatment.
In interviews conducted by HRW, immigrant detainees reported that they were not informed about their transfer to Guantánamo. Many described being held incommunicado under unsanitary conditions, lacking any clear explanation of their legal status, and without notification to their families. “No immigrant or individual who leaves their country in search of protection should be taken to a place like this,” said a spokesperson from HRW.
Concerns Over Detention Conditions and Legal Rights
The group’s report highlights serious concerns about the treatment of detainees at Guantánamo. Established in January 2002 during the post-9/11 “war on terror,” the facility has a long history of controversy regarding human rights violations. HRW emphasizes that international law, including the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, prohibits returning individuals to places where their safety may be compromised.
In late January 2025, former President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to expand the “Migrants Operations Centre” (GMOC) at Guantánamo. This plan aims to house up to 30,000 immigrants categorized as the “worst criminal illegal aliens.” Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the initiative, citing Guantánamo’s notorious reputation for human rights abuses.
In February 2025, approximately 200 Venezuelan migrants were transferred to Guantánamo Bay. Court documents indicate that 127 of these individuals were held in a high-security area, while 51 were placed in low-security tent facilities. Most of the detainees were deported via a flight from Honduras, heading to Venezuela. Several civil rights lawsuits have emerged to contest these transfers.
Legal Challenges and Human Rights Advocacy
In March 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the International Refugee Assistance Project filed a lawsuit seeking to block further transfers and ensure legal access for detainees. A subsequent lawsuit followed in June 2025. Amnesty International has voiced strong opposition to the treatment of these migrants, reiterating that international laws governing asylum and refugee protections are being undermined.
HRW has urged the U.S. government to halt all current and future transfers of migrants to Guantánamo, ensure that detainees there receive due process, and provide meaningful access to legal counsel. The organization stresses the importance of adhering to international human rights norms that mandate transparency and protection for asylum seekers.
As the situation evolves, the call for action from HRW and other human rights organizations underscores the ongoing debate over the treatment of immigrants and the legal frameworks designed to protect their rights. The focus remains on ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
