During a recent hearing, U.S. Senator Gary Peters criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for the exorbitant costs associated with housing migrants at Guantanamo Bay, stating it costs approximately $100,000 per day for each detainee. Peters, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, voiced concerns over what he deemed wasteful spending, particularly in comparison to the $165 per day it costs to detain individuals in U.S. immigration facilities.
Peters challenged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the inefficacy of sending detainees to Guantanamo Bay only to transport them back to the U.S. at taxpayer expense. He stated, “We’re spending $100,000 a day to keep someone at Guantanamo… I think that’s kind of outrageous.”
Noem, when questioned, admitted she was unaware of the daily cost involved at the naval base. The White House has been pushing for an increase in funding for immigration enforcement, requesting an additional $44 billion for fiscal year 2026 to support Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration and mass deportations.
Currently, about 70 migrants are detained at Guantanamo, a situation that has drawn scrutiny from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They filed a lawsuit to block the transfer of additional migrants to the base, citing inhumane conditions, including long hours of confinement and lack of contact with family members. Reports indicate some detainees have attempted suicide due to their circumstances.
As part of the budget discussion, Senator Rand Paul, the committee’s Republican chairman, expressed doubts about the need for additional funding for barriers at the U.S.-Mexico border, noting a significant drop in illegal crossings since Trump’s presidency began. He advocated for increased Border Patrol support but emphasized a need for fiscal responsibility.
This ongoing debate reveals the contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. and highlights the need for more humane and effective approaches to managing the needs of migrants. Amidst the criticism, there remains hope for constructive discussions and policies that could balance national security and the welfare of those seeking refuge.
Leave a comment