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Trump administration begins first detention flights to Guantanamo Bay • Louisiana Illuminator
Trump administration begins first detention flights to Guantanamo Bay
by Ariana Figueroa, Louisiana Illuminator
February 4, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Tuesday sent the first flight of detained migrants on military aircraft from the United States to the naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as President Donald Trump continues high-profile displays of his immigration crackdown.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted photos on social media of men in handcuffs and chains, being escorted by immigration officials dressed in tactical military gear.
“Guantanamo Bay will hold the worst of the worst,” Noem wrote. “That starts today.”
Trump announced last week that he would direct the Defense Department to use the migrant detention center on the base to detain up to 30,000 people who lack U.S. legal status. It would nearly double the current bed space that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has funding for across the nation, which is roughly 41,500.
More than 150 U.S. Marines and U.S. Army members started arriving at the base over the weekend, the U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs Office said in a press release. More than 300 military personnel are already stationed at the base.
The base is known for holding suspects accused of terrorism in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Advocates have pressed for the base to be shut down, citing human rights violations.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed flights were taking place Tuesday during a segment on Fox Business.
“The first flights from the United States to Guantanamo Bay with illegal migrants are underway,” she said, adding that the president is “not messing around.”
During a Sunday interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Noem was asked if women, children and families would be detained at Guantanamo Bay, but Noem would not address the question.
“You know, if you look at what we are doing today of targeting the worst of the worst, we’ve been very clear on that,” Noem said during the interview. “The priority of this president is to go after criminal aliens that are making our streets more dangerous.”
While Guantanamo Bay has been used in the past to detain migrants, it’s usually been to intercept refugees fleeing from Cuba and Haiti during the 1990s, not used to transport people from within the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to States Newsroom’s request on where the flights departed from or how many detained migrants were on board the C-17 military jet, and if they had a criminal status.
Last updated 4:36 p.m., Feb. 4, 2025
Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
All Hail King Clifton – The Current
SUMMARY:
Following a recent star-studded tribute, Clifton Chenier, the “King of Zydeco,” has gained renewed attention. Author Todd Mouton spent 32 years researching Chenier’s life and music, culminating in his new book, The King of Zydeco. Chenier, active from 1955 until his death in 1987, transformed zydeco music and broke racial barriers during segregation. Despite health challenges, he performed passionately, influencing generations. Mouton’s book uncovers new truths about Chenier’s legacy and emphasizes his cultural significance as the trunk of zydeco’s musical tree. The book, released alongside tribute events, celebrates and preserves Chenier’s enduring impact on Louisiana’s musical heritage.
The post All Hail King Clifton – The Current appeared first on thecurrentla.com
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Why Texas Hill Country is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding
SUMMARY: Texas Hill Country, known for its rugged landscapes and shallow rivers, is a hotspot for deadly flash floods. On July 4, 2025, a severe flash flood hit this region, rapidly raising the Guadalupe River by over 20 feet within 90 minutes, causing significant fatalities. The area’s steep hills, semi-arid soils, and the Balcones Escarpment contribute to fast-moving floodwaters. Texas leads the U.S. in flood deaths, with many in Flash Flood Alley, spanning from Dallas to San Antonio. Improved flood forecasting, better public education on flood risks—especially for drivers—and road barricades during high flood risks are essential for enhancing safety and reducing deaths.
The post Why Texas Hill Country is one of the deadliest places in the US for flash flooding appeared first on wgno.com
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
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SUMMARY: The morning forecast for Monday, July 7th, shows mostly clear skies early with a warm and moist airmass in place, leading to a hot, humid day. Patchy to scattered thunderstorms are expected mainly in the afternoon and early evening, with some lingering after sunset. Moisture, heat, and upper-level disturbances will sustain these storms over the next few days. Temperatures will rise from the low-to-mid 70s in the morning to the low-to-mid 90s by late afternoon, potentially reaching upper 90s in southern and eastern areas. An upper-level ridge will fluctuate but generally promote warming through the week.
Skies are mostly clear, bright and early this Monday morning. A very warm and moist airmass remains in place making for another hot and humid day. Patchy to scattered t-storms are possible for this afternoon. Typical summertime pattern with most of the rain will be concentrated mainly in the afternoon and early evening with a few storms lingering just after sunset. Moisture, daytime heat, and upper level disturbances will keep scattered t-storms in the forecast for the next couple of days. Temperatures will be back up on the climb by the late week into the upper 90’s.
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