Immigrant rights groups, including the ACLU, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the transfer of immigrants from the U.S. to Guantanamo Bay. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 10 migrants in immigration custody, argues that the transfers are arbitrary, capricious, and unconstitutional. The groups claim that the individuals at risk of transfer face harm and punitive conditions at Guantanamo, despite having final removal orders. They argue that there is no legitimate reason to transfer these individuals, as the U.S. has ample detention capacity on its own soil. The lead counsel in the case called the transfers “theatrics” and emphasized that sending immigrants to Guantanamo is illegal, unprecedented, and illogical.
The government has not provided notice of when transfers will occur or who will be transferred, raising concerns among advocacy groups. Last month, the government revealed it had detained 178 migrants from Venezuela at Guantanamo, though they were all cleared from the facility shortly after. The lawsuit also alleges that the government has obstructed access to counsel for immigrant detainees transferred to Guantanamo, further violating their rights.
The groups are challenging the administration’s decision to detain immigrants at Guantanamo, arguing that it is unnecessary, costly, and unlawful. They accuse the administration of wasting taxpayer money on mistreatment of immigrants and disregarding U.S. law. The outcome of the lawsuit remains unclear as the government has not provided information about future transfers to Guantanamo.
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