Hegseth Visits Guantanamo Bay for the First Time Since Confirmation – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
9:03 AM – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Pete Hegseth has announced his upcoming visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, marking his first trip as Secretary of Defense.
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This visit, scheduled for Tuesday, will be Hegseth’s inaugural trip to the base since his swearing-in. During his time there, he is set to receive briefings on all mission operations taking place at the facility.
The operations he will review include the Migrant Operations Center and the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility, as indicated in a statement from Hegseth’s office.
“Naval Station Guantanamo Bay serves as a crucial forward operating base essential for regional stability and maritime security,” the statement noted. “It also enables the temporary detention of illegal aliens awaiting repatriation to their countries of origin or other suitable locations.”
Additionally, Hegseth will “meet with U.S. service members stationed at the base and aboard the USS Thomas Hudner to express gratitude for their service and gain insights into their experiences at Guantanamo Bay,” the statement further elaborated.
Currently, Guantanamo Bay is holding undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
In a related note, nearly 200 Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S. have been sent back to Venezuela following their detention at Guantanamo Bay.
Furthermore, Hegseth’s visit coincides with the Trump administration’s decision to halt the operation of tent facilities at the base due to concerns regarding the adequacy of the detention centers.
“The new facilities do not meet standard detention requirements because they lack essential amenities such as air conditioning and electricity,” reported CNN.
While illegal immigrants continue to be directed to the island, they are currently being accommodated at the Migrant Operations Center.
The tent facilities were originally designed to increase the base’s capacity for illegal immigrant detention to over 30,000 individuals.
“The Secretary’s visit highlights the Department’s commitment to ensuring the security and operational capabilities of Guantanamo Bay Naval Station and presents an opportunity to engage with the dedicated service members and staff crucial to the base’s mission,” stated the Pentagon.
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