In a poignant reminder of unfulfilled political pledges, the Biden administration, like its predecessors, has failed to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention facility, despite promises to do so. Established in 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, the prison has become a symbol of human rights abuses, indefinite detention, and a legal gray zone in the fight against terrorism.
Nearly 23 years after its inception, Guantanamo remains operational with 30 detainees, a far cry from its peak of 779 prisoners. While progress has been made under successive administrations, with detainee numbers shrinking and some reforms implemented, critics argue that these measures fall short of addressing the facility’s core issues. President Joe Biden, who vowed during his campaign to close Guantanamo, has yet to take decisive steps to fulfill that promise.
A Legacy of Controversy
Guantanamo Bay, often referred to as “Gitmo,” was established under President George W. Bush to detain and interrogate suspected terrorists. Over the years, it has faced widespread condemnation for alleged torture, lack of due process, and indefinite detention. For many, the facility has become an enduring emblem of the post-9/11 global war on terror and its excesses.
President Barack Obama made closing Guantanamo a central campaign promise, but congressional opposition and logistical challenges thwarted his efforts. By the time Obama left office, the detainee population had significantly declined but closure remained elusive.
President Donald Trump reversed course, pledging to keep the prison open and halting transfers, further cementing its status as a political lightning rod.
Under Biden, expectations were high for a renewed push toward closure. Yet, critics say his administration’s slow pace in transferring detainees and lack of a comprehensive plan demonstrate a lack of urgency.
A Human and Financial Toll
The cost of maintaining Guantanamo is staggering. Estimates suggest the U.S. spends over $500 million annually to operate the facility—roughly $13 million per detainee each year. Beyond financial costs, human rights advocates point to the psychological and physical toll on detainees, many of whom have never been formally charged or tried.
Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU’s National Security Project, calls Guantanamo “an affront to the rule of law.” She argues that its continued existence undermines America’s credibility on human rights and tarnishes its global standing.
Obstacles to Closure
Closing Guantanamo is easier said than done. Legal, logistical, and political barriers have repeatedly stalled efforts. Congress has enacted laws prohibiting the transfer of detainees to U.S. soil, complicating efforts to resolve cases through civilian courts. Furthermore, concerns over where to relocate detainees deemed too dangerous to release remain a significant hurdle.
While some detainees have been transferred to other countries under Biden, the pace has been criticized as insufficient. The administration has also faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding plans for the remaining detainees, many of whom have been cleared for release but languish in limbo.
The Way Forward
Experts argue that closing Guantanamo requires bold political will and a comprehensive strategy. This includes addressing the legal status of detainees, expediting transfers, and working with international partners to resolve cases.
Additionally, advocates stress the need to provide accountability for past abuses, ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar injustices in the future.
As Guantanamo enters its third decade, its existence serves as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and the challenges of balancing national security with human rights. For now, the fate of the prison—and the individuals it holds—remains uncertain.
