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Trump administration begins first detention flights to Guantanamo Bay • Louisiana Illuminator

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lailluminator.com – Ariana Figueroa – 2025-02-04 16:58:00

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

Sedrick Van Pran Talks Giving Back at Bayou Boys Camp in New Orleans

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www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-07-06 16:00:02

SUMMARY: Sedrick Van Pran, former Warren Eastern star and Georgia Bulldogs center on their 2021 and 2022 championship teams, recently discussed giving back at the Bayou Boys football camp in New Orleans. Now with the Buffalo Bills, Van Pran finds joy in mentoring young athletes, appreciating the opportunity to inspire kids to chase their dreams. Reflecting on his rookie NFL season, he emphasized learning patience during the challenging transition from college to pro football. With guidance from veteran teammates like Dion Dawkins and Connor McGovern, he’s embracing growth and preparing for future success, while remaining grateful to God for the journey.

WWL’s Seth Lewis caught up Van Pran to talk about multiple topics, starting with his chance to give back with the Bayou Boys …

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Chris Paul announces final season in the NBA

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wgno.com – Jared Paul Joseph – 2025-07-06 15:26:00

SUMMARY: Chris Paul, former New Orleans point guard, announced the 2025-26 NBA season will be his final. Drafted fourth overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, Paul quickly excelled, earning Rookie of the Year and All-NBA honors. He spent six years with the Hornets, highlighted by a franchise-best 56-26 record in 2008. After a vetoed trade attempt to the Lakers, Paul was traded to the Clippers, then played for Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix (reaching the NBA Finals), Golden State, and San Antonio. Over 20 seasons, he accumulated 23,011 points, 12,499 assists, nine All-Defensive selections, and solidified a Hall of Fame career.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Danger of fireworks & How to avoid injury

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www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-07-04 18:50:55

SUMMARY: Doctors warn of the dangers fireworks pose to the eyes, with 15% of fireworks injuries affecting vision. Lisa Dickerson lost sight in one eye after a bottle rocket malfunctioned during a family celebration. Despite multiple surgeries, she now has significant scarring and disfigurement. Dr. Aaron Shriver and others note a spike in firework-related eye injuries following legalization in Iowa, overwhelming emergency rooms. Safety tips include keeping a bucket of water and fire extinguisher nearby, waiting 20 minutes before handling duds, soaking faulty fireworks in water, and wearing protective goggles. Lisa urges caution to prevent similar life-changing injuries.

If you plan on setting off fireworks, doctors are warning you to protect your eyes.

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