In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, raised eyebrows over the steep daily cost of detaining migrants at the Guantanamo Bay naval base. According to Peters, each detainee costs a whopping $100,000 per day – a stark contrast to the $165 per day spent at regular immigration detention facilities.
'We\'re spending $100,000 a day to keep someone at Guantanamo,' Peters stated, emphasizing what he called a prime example of wasteful government spending. He questioned why these detainees are first housed at the naval base in Cuba and then flown back to the United States, leaving taxpayers to foot an exorbitant bill. 🤯
The debate intensified as the White House pushed for a massive funding increase, asking Congress for an additional $44 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2026. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem admitted she did not know the daily cost at Guantanamo Bay, and officials reported that roughly 70 migrants are currently detained there.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also entered the fray, filing a lawsuit to block the transfer of 10 migrants to the base. The lawsuit alleges that conditions at Guantanamo include confinement in windowless rooms for up to 23 hours per day, invasive strip searches, and limited contact with family members—with some detainees even reportedly attempting suicide.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chairman on the committee, expressed his concerns over spending, especially in light of proposals for additional border barriers. While he acknowledged the need for increased support for Border Patrol, Paul stressed that any new spending should be kept within reason.
This heated discussion highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing national security, fiscal responsibility, and humane treatment for those detained. With costs reaching astronomical figures, the debate continues on how best to manage resources in a way that truly serves the country and its people.
Reference(s):
Senator: Trump's Gitmo migrant detentions cost $100k daily per person
cgtn.com
