Hegseth Makes His First Trip to Guantanamo Bay – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
9:03 AM – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Pete Hegseth has announced plans for his inaugural visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in his capacity as Secretary of Defense.
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Scheduled for Tuesday, this trip will mark Hegseth’s first experience at the base since his swearing-in. During his visit, he will receive comprehensive briefings on all operational missions occurring there.
The discussions will encompass the Migrant Operations Center and the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility, as noted in a statement from Hegseth’s office.
“Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a crucial forward operating base for maintaining regional stability and maritime security,” the statement indicated. “It also provides for the temporary detention of illegal aliens awaiting repatriation to their home countries or other suitable destinations.”
Hegseth will additionally “engage with U.S. service members stationed at the base and aboard the USS Thomas Hudner to express gratitude for their service and gather insights about their experiences at Guantanamo Bay,” the statement further explained.
Currently, Guantanamo Bay is housing illegal immigrants pending deportation to their home nations, occurring in light of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement measures.
Moreover, nearly 200 Venezuelan illegal immigrants in the U.S. have been returned to Venezuela after being detained in Guantanamo Bay.
Furthermore, Hegseth’s visit coincides with the Trump administration having halted operations to place illegal migrants in tent facilities at the base due to concerns over inadequate detention conditions.
“The newly emerging facilities do not comply with detention standards because they lack essential amenities such as air conditioning and electricity,” CNN reported.
While illegal aliens are still being transported to the island, they are presently being accommodated at the Migrant Operations Center.
The tent facilities were designed to increase the capacity of the base to house illegal aliens to over 30,000.
“The Secretary’s visit highlights the Department’s commitment to maintaining the security and operational effectiveness of Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, and it provides an opportunity to connect with the dedicated service members and staff who are essential to the base’s operations,” the Pentagon stated.
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