The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has formally requested immediate access to nearly two dozen migrants who were recently transferred from immigration detention centers to the US Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. The request was made in a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The ACLU's letter raises concerns regarding the detainees' legal rights, living conditions, and access to due process. It emphasizes that both the Constitution and federal and international laws prohibit the government from using Guantánamo as a legal black hole.
The ACLU is urging the government to provide access to the noncitizens detained at Guantánamo to ensure they have access to legal counsel. Additionally, the organization seeks transparency so that advocates and the public can understand the conditions under which the government is holding these individuals.
This development comes after the Trump administration transported migrants to Guantánamo Bay on US military aircraft earlier this week. The move has sparked backlash from immigrant advocates who fear prolonged detention without legal representation.
The ACLU has expressed concerns about potential human rights violations and is calling for transparency in how the detainees are being treated. The organization's efforts aim to safeguard the legal rights and well-being of those held at Guantánamo Bay.
