The U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, located in Cuba, is poised to take on a new role in President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to overhaul the nation’s immigration system. Known globally for its high-security prison housing alleged terrorist suspects, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the base has long been a subject of human rights debates. Now, it could become central to Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, as the administration looks to increase detention space for migrants.

For decades, Guantanamo has also been home to a separate migrant detention facility, traditionally used to hold Haitian and Cuban refugees intercepted at sea before they reach U.S. shores. Now, Trump’s administration has instructed the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to prepare the base to house up to 30,000 detainees, though it remains unclear whether the facility can support such a large number of people.

The move to utilize Guantanamo for migrant detentions serves two key purposes for Trump. Firstly, it addresses the immediate need for more detention space in the face of rising migrant arrests. Secondly, the base’s notorious reputation could help bolster Trump’s image as tough on immigration, a message he has long used to energize his base and show voters he is fulfilling campaign promises.

The Guantanamo facility, which is distinct from the infamous prison for terror suspects, has faced its own share of criticism. Civil rights groups have raised alarms about the facility’s treatment of detainees, pointing to inhumane conditions such as contaminated water, open sewage exposure, and inadequate medical care. Despite these issues, the Biden administration considered utilizing the base for Haitian migrant processing last year.

The decision to repurpose the facility is likely to stir controversy, especially given Guantanamo’s historical significance as a symbol of human rights abuses. Vince Warren, Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, expressed concern over the potential for abuse, calling it “a global symbol and site of lawlessness, torture, and racism.” He warned that the move would exacerbate the stigma surrounding migrants, especially when associated with the infamous prison.

Trump’s announcement came at a White House ceremony for the signing of the Laken Riley Act, named in honor of a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented migrant. The new law mandates the detention of undocumented migrants accused of certain crimes, such as theft or burglary, reinforcing Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.

While Guantanamo’s symbolic power may resonate with many Republicans, it raises significant legal and ethical questions. Critics fear the facility could become a tool for further erosion of migrant rights, especially as the U.S. grapples with the complex issue of asylum claims. Already, groups like the International Refugee Assistance Project have called for a shutdown of the center, citing its history of poor conditions and limited access to legal protections.

The expansion of the Guantanamo facility for migrants also raises logistical concerns. According to officials, the base may have housed 30,000 people in the 1990s, but current infrastructure and staffing levels would need significant upgrades to accommodate such a large number of detainees.

The announcement of Guantanamo’s new role in Trump’s immigration strategy also sparked outrage from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who condemned the U.S. government’s plans and labeled the move as an act of brutality. With both sides of the political spectrum reacting strongly to the announcement, the controversy surrounding Guantanamo Bay is far from over.