WASHINGTON (AP) — On the signing of the Laken Riley Act, President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that he’s directing the opening of a detention heart at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to carry as much as 30,000 migrants who’re residing illegally in america and can’t be deported to their house international locations.
Trump made the announcement simply earlier than he signed the immigrant detention measure, the primary regulation of his new administration.
“We’re going to ship them out to Guantanamo,” the president stated within the White Home East Room. He didn’t elaborate.
The U.S. army base has been used to deal with detainees from the U.S. conflict on terrorism.
The Laken Riley Act was described by Trump as a “landmark regulation” and “great tribute” to the slain Georgia nursing scholar for whom it’s named. The regulation mandates that individuals within the U.S. illegally who’re accused of theft and violent crimes be detained and doubtlessly deported, even earlier than a conviction.
Laken Riley, 22, went out for a run in February 2024 and was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan nationwide who was within the nation illegally. Ibarra was found guilty in November and sentenced to life with out parole.
“She was a light-weight of heat and kindness,” Trump stated throughout a signing ceremony that included Riley’s dad and mom and sister. “It’s an incredible tribute to your daughter what’s happening in the present day, that’s all I can say. It’s so unhappy we now have to be doing it.”
He added, “It’s a landmark regulation that we’re doing in the present day. It’s going to avoid wasting numerous lives”
