Congressional Democrats Demand End to Guantánamo Immigrant Detention and Oppose Military Action in Cuba

Over 30 Democratic lawmakers, led by Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois, sent a letter on Wednesday to the secretaries of defense, state, and homeland security, calling for an end to the use of Guantánamo Bay for immigrant detention and opposing any plans for military intervention in Cuba.

Key Concerns

"Such action would be unlawful, deeply destabilizing and catastrophic for the Cuban population, while further increasing displacement, exacerbating mass suffering and undermining US interests in the region. It must be unequivocally rejected."

The letter argues that current U.S. policies—including sanctions and a fuel blockade—have contributed to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba and fueled increased migration from the island. Lawmakers warn that military intervention would be unlawful, destabilizing, and only worsen displacement.

The correspondence arrives one month after human rights organizations criticized the administration's approach to Cuba and its reported plans for a migrant camp at Guantánamo Bay.

The Broader Context

President Trump has expressed interest in regime change in Cuba, following a U.S. operation in Venezuela in January.

The U.S. imposed additional sanctions on Cuba last week and has discussed potential military intervention. In March, a senior defense department official told Congress that, in the event of a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, the Pentagon would set up a camp at Guantánamo Bay to process migrants, assisting the Department of Homeland Security.

Guantánamo Bay has a history of migrant detention, including in the 1990s for Haitian and Cuban migrants, and more recently under a Trump executive order expanding detention operations. The base is also notorious for its detention facility used during the "war on terror."

Strong Condemnation

"US policies have deliberately targeted Cuban civilians and contributed to their displacement as well as their deaths. Planning for their detention at Guantánamo is not a response to migration – it is an attempt to contain the consequences of the exact policies that are driving it."

"Such a proposal is deeply alarming and unacceptable... It raises serious concerns about the use of a US military facility with a well-documented record of abuse."

Official Response

The departments of defense, state, and homeland security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.