Report Says Venezuelan Migrants in Guantanamo Facing Harsh Conditions
Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Venezuelan migrants detained at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Interviews with 20 Venezuelan migrants reveal they endured isolation, unsanitary living conditions, and stale food during their 11 to 16 days of detention earlier this year. The report adds to mounting criticism over the controversial use of Guantanamo Bay as a holding facility for migrants.
Background: Migrants Held at Guantanamo Bay
The migrants arrived at Guantanamo Bay in early 2025 as part of an effort by U.S. authorities to detain and deport Venezuelans and others without legal status in the U.S. Facilities originally designed for terrorism-related detainees were repurposed to house refugees and deportees, with capacity expanded to hold thousands.
Many of the detained migrants were transported from U.S. southern border locations to Guantanamo, where they awaited processing and deportation. Among this population, some were suspected of gang affiliations, though a substantial number had no criminal record.
Human Rights Watch Findings on Treatment and Conditions
The Human Rights Watch investigation gathered firsthand accounts of harsh detention conditions. Migrants reported prolonged solitary confinement or isolation, inadequate access to hygiene facilities, and insufficiently nutritious meals. Many described fear and confusion due to lack of clear communication about their status or legal rights.
Several detainees reported being denied access to legal representation and the ability to contact relatives. These restrictions compounded the psychological strain, with some migrants reporting symptoms of severe distress.
U.S. Government Response and Criticism
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the presence of migrants at Guantanamo Bay and characterized the facility as a temporary staging area for deportation. Officials maintain that the detainees are treated in accordance with legal standards and that many of those held face significant criminal allegations or risks to public safety.
However, the use of Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts who argue the site’s history and conditions are inappropriate for housing vulnerable refugee populations. Calls for oversight and accountability have intensified amid these reports.
Political and Humanitarian Implications
The detainment of migrants at Guantanamo Bay reflects broader shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement and policy. Since early 2025, the administration has implemented strict measures aimed at deterring unauthorized border crossings and expediting deportations, including partnerships with countries in Latin America.
The controversial use of a facility long associated with counterterrorism detainees as a migrant holding center underscores the intersecting challenges of immigration policy, national security, and human rights. The humanitarian concerns raised by organizations like Human Rights Watch emphasize the need for policies that respect migrants’ dignity and legal protections.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Transparency and Reform
The testimonies of Venezuelan migrants detained at Guantanamo Bay highlight troubling issues about their treatment and conditions of confinement. As the U.S. continues to grapple with complex immigration challenges, ensuring humane treatment and access to due process for all detainees remains critical.
Human Rights Watch and other advocates continue to urge the U.S. government to reconsider the use of Guantanamo Bay for migrant detentions and to provide responsive legal and humanitarian support to those caught in the system. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global migration crisis and the moral imperatives it demands.