Federal Judge Blocks Potential Transfer of Venezuelan Migrants to Guantanamo Bay

A federal judge in New Mexico granted a restraining order on Sunday to prevent the U.S. government from transferring three detained Venezuelan men to the military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Judge Kenneth Gonzales of the Federal District Court issued the order during a virtual hearing following a motion filed by the men through the Center for Constitutional Rights, according to lawyer Baher Azmy.

The detainees, who fled Venezuela seeking protection, are currently challenging what they claim to be unlawfully prolonged detention. Abrahan Barrios Morales, one of the men, expressed fears of being sent to Guantanamo, citing concerns over human rights violations. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency did not confirm whether there were any plans to transfer the men to the base.

This development comes amid heightened controversy over the Trump administration’s recent moves to detain Venezuelan migrants at the U.S. naval base, a site primarily known for housing terrorism suspects. The American Civil Liberties Union has raised concerns over potential legal violations, demanding access to detainees after reports that a group of alleged Venezuelan gang members was flown there last week.

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