The Trump administration is preparing a new wave of migrant transfers to the controversial Guantanamo Bay military base, with 100 Romanian citizens among those targeted.
In total, at least 9,000 individuals could be moved to the Cuban territory controlled by the USA starting as early as this week, as only 500 migrants have been temporarily detained there so far, according to internal documents consulted by POLITICO publication.
Officially, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the measure is intended to free up space in detention centers on US soil.
However, using a prison synonymous with terrorist detention in an immigration control context also sends a discouraging signal: illegally crossing the border could mean a period of stay in a place famous for its strict regime.
What awaits the 100 Romanians
The list includes, in addition to Romanians, an Austrian and 170 Russians, causing concern at the State Department.
It remains unclear how long the Romanians will be detained at Guantanamo, but documents suggest that detention should be temporary, pending deportation.
Several officials in Washington have tried to halt the plan, and organizations such as the ACLU are challenging it in court, highlighting the "punitive" conditions in the base: inadequate food, weekly clothing changes, and rodent infestations.
The ongoing collective process could impose additional restrictions on using Guantanamo for migrant detention.
Since February, the USA has held approximately 500 migrants at the Guantanamo facilities, according to a document filed in court last week.
Largely undiscussed in the public space but politically essential is the cost: approximately $100,000 per detainee per day, according to Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
If the plan to host 30,000 individuals materializes, the annual costs would be astronomical.
What's next?
Transfers could start on Wednesday, and internal documents suggest that US authorities do not intend to notify the governments of the countries involved in advance.
For Romania, the immediate priority will be to ensure consular assistance to the 100 citizens and negotiate a rapid repatriation schedule to avoid prolonging detention in difficult conditions.