President Donald Trump’s initiative to transfer migrants to the Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is facing challenges due to concerns about living conditions and the costly process of preparing the site for deportees. The administration’s decision to fly migrants to Guantanamo Bay on military aircraft has sparked backlash and legal action from immigrant advocacy groups. However, there are currently no migrants detained at the base, with some individuals already flown back to the US.

A federal judge is set to hear a case regarding the use of the facility, questioning the legality of transferring immigrants to Guantanamo and highlighting issues such as living conditions and limited access to legal counsel. Despite these obstacles, the administration has reportedly spent around $16 million on the operation, drawing criticism for the high costs and inefficiencies.

While federal agencies work to accommodate Trump’s directive to house thousands of migrants at Guantanamo, the base’s current capacity is limited to 225 individuals. Plans to detain dangerous migrants, including members of criminal organizations like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, have been mentioned, but meeting ICE detention standards and logistical challenges remain key concerns.

Notably, the set-up of tent structures at the base, costing $3.1 million, has been halted due to not meeting required standards. The conditions at Guantanamo’s detention facilities have faced scrutiny, with reports of detainees refusing meals and engaging in self-harm. Amid these issues, officials are exploring alternative options, such as using US military bases for migrant housing.