Repatriation of Cuban Deportees from Guantánamo Bay

On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) repatriated 170 Cuban citizens, including 55 men who had been held at the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, back to Cuba. This marked the conclusion of a complex journey that began with their designation for deportation from the United States in late 2025. The deportees were flown from various locations in the U.S. to Havana, Cuba, on a charter flight operated by Global X.

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The men were initially transferred to Guantánamo Bay in December 2025, where they were held in a facility previously used for suspected Al Qaeda members. The decision to detain these individuals at Guantánamo has raised questions, particularly since many were seeking asylum or had valid work permits. Family members reported that some of the detainees had voluntarily abandoned their immigration cases under the impression that they would be returned to Cuba before Christmas.

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Human Rights First, an organization monitoring ICE flights, highlighted the significance of this repatriation as the first deportation flight to Cuba since December 18, 2025. Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has been vocal about the legal implications of using Guantánamo as a holding site for ICE detainees, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the individuals involved.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided detailed information about the detainees or the rationale behind their selection for Guantánamo. Officials indicated that the first group of 22 Cubans sent to the base included individuals with serious criminal histories, although specifics were not disclosed. Family members of the detainees expressed concern over the lack of communication and clarity from U.S. authorities regarding their loved ones' status.

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The use of Guantánamo Bay for holding deportees has faced criticism from various human rights advocates. The ACLU's Lee Gelernt stated, “The use of Guantánamo for ICE detainees raises serious legal and ethical questions.” Critics argue that this practice undermines the rights of individuals seeking asylum and raises concerns about the treatment of detainees in such facilities.

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There is a lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons why these individuals were chosen for detention at Guantánamo, as well as the criteria used by ICE for their deportation. Additionally, while DHS has indicated that some detainees had criminal backgrounds, the absence of detailed information leaves room for speculation and concern among advocates for immigrant rights.

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Following the repatriation, it remains to be seen how the U.S. government will address the legal and ethical implications of using Guantánamo Bay for immigration enforcement. Advocacy groups are likely to continue pressing for transparency and accountability in the treatment of deportees.

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This repatriation event underscores ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policy and the treatment of individuals seeking refuge.

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