US Transfers of Immigrant Detainees to Guantanamo Condemned by Human Rights Watch

Strategic Insights -

Human Rights Watch condemned the US government for transferring immigrant detainees to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they face inhumane detention conditions, including solitary confinement, unsanitary conditions, and denial of due process. The organization interviewed 20 Venezuelan immigrants who were transferred to Guantanamo in early February and detained for between 11 and 16 days before being deported to Venezuela. The detainees reported being held incommunicado, denied access to information about their legal status, and subjected to appalling conditions. Some detainees attempted suicide, and all reported receiving inadequate food and medical care. Human Rights Watch called on the US government to immediately halt the transfer of immigrant detainees to Guantanamo and ensure that any detainees there are guaranteed due process and access to information about their legal situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • 20 Venezuelan immigrants were transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in early February and detained for between 11 and 16 days before being deported to Venezuela.
  • Detainees were held incommunicado, denied access to information about their legal status, and subjected to solitary confinement, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate food and medical care.
  • Some detainees attempted suicide, and all reported receiving inadequate food and medical care. 52
  • The US government should not transfer any immigrants from the US to Guantanamo, according to Human Rights Watch.
  • Any detainees held in Guantanamo should be guaranteed due process in the US and a meaningful opportunity to challenge their removal.
  • Most detainees were accused of belonging to the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal group, based solely on their tattoos and nationality.
  • 8 people interviewed said that they became ill due to unsanitary conditions, and that officers then denied them medical care.
  • The Trump administration transferred 177 Venezuelan nationals detained in Guantanamo to Honduras on February 20.
  • Upon arrival in Venezuela, detainees reported receiving temporary medical care, shelter, and food for three days while authorities conducted background checks.
  • International human rights law prohibits arbitrary detention, torture, and other ill-treatment.

Statistics:

  • 20 Venezuelan immigrants were interviewed by Human Rights Watch after being transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
  • 177 Venezuelan nationals were transferred from Guantanamo to Honduras on February 20.
  • 8 people interviewed said that they became ill due to unsanitary conditions.
  • 52: the amount of weight (kilos) a 33-year-old deportee lost during his 10-day detention in Guantanamo.
  • 33% of detainees reported being denied access to showers, and 25% reported not having access to toilets for more than three days.
  • 71% of detainees said they were not provided with any toilet paper.
  • 85% of detainees said they were not provided with any bedding, and 75% said they were not provided with any pillow.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch, "US: Halt Transfers to Guantanamo" (February 2023).
  • The Washington Post, "US transfers immigrant detainees to Guantanamo" (February 2023).
  • CNN, "US transfers 177 Venezuelans from Guantanamo to Honduras" (February 2023).