Belgium has formally requested clarification from the United States regarding reports that Washington is considering deporting asylum seekers to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The concerns stem from recent U.S. policy discussions surrounding stricter immigration enforcement and unconventional detention strategies.
In a statement issued on Monday, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib confirmed that the government is actively seeking information from its American counterparts. “We are following this matter closely and have requested explanations through diplomatic channels,” Lahbib stated. The minister emphasized that Belgium is committed to upholding human rights and international law, and would oppose any practices that violate these principles.
The concern was sparked by reports in U.S. media indicating that American authorities had floated the idea of deporting certain undocumented migrants or asylum seekers to facilities such as Guantanamo Bay, traditionally used to detain terrorism suspects. While the U.S. government has not officially confirmed such plans, the reports have raised alarm among European allies and human rights organizations.
According to sources within the Belgian government, Brussels is particularly concerned about the legal and ethical implications of using Guantanamo Bay as an immigration detention center. Human rights groups have long criticized the facility for its history of indefinite detention and lack of due process for inmates. Belgium is seeking assurances that international human rights obligations will be respected in any future U.S. immigration policies.
This diplomatic request follows a broader trend of European countries reacting to increasingly hardline immigration rhetoric in the United States. Earlier this month, several EU member states expressed disapproval over U.S. proposals to outsource asylum processing to third countries, and to reintroduce detention policies that could affect citizens or residents with dual nationality ties to Europe.
Belgium’s inquiry also reflects growing anxiety over the legal ambiguity surrounding Guantanamo Bay. While U.S. authorities have often framed the base as outside the scope of standard judicial oversight, many international legal experts dispute this interpretation, arguing that detainees there are entitled to protections under international humanitarian law.
In recent years, Belgium has engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure that citizens detained abroad — including in facilities like Guantanamo — are treated in accordance with human rights norms. The government’s latest move signals a continued commitment to this stance.
U.S. officials have yet to respond publicly to Belgium’s request. The State Department has declined to comment on the specifics of any proposals involving Guantanamo Bay, and the Department of Homeland Security has not addressed whether the facility is being considered for immigration-related detentions.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, as immigration remains a hot-button issue in the run-up to the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. Former President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, has revived proposals for extreme border enforcement measures, including mass deportations and expanded detention centers. These plans, though not yet adopted, have reignited fears among immigrant communities and civil liberties advocates.
Belgium’s demand for clarity illustrates the international ramifications of U.S. domestic policies, especially when they intersect with global human rights concerns. If the Biden administration, or any future government, moves forward with policies involving Guantanamo Bay, it is likely to face intensified scrutiny not only from domestic courts but also from international allies.
For now, Belgium awaits a formal response from Washington. “We trust that our American partners will provide the necessary clarity,” Minister Lahbib concluded, reiterating Belgium’s expectation that the United States will adhere to its international commitments.
Source: Belga News Agency
