FEBRUARY 28, 2025 – “Guantanamo Bay represents justice,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to members of Joint Task Force Southern Guard. “It represents deterrence, and because of you, it represents professionalism.”
These were the words the SECDEF echoed during his visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as he assessed the Department of Homeland Security-led illegal alien holding operations and received updates on Joint Task Force Southern Guard’s mission on Feb. 25, 2025.
“We’ve spent 20 years defending other people’s borders. It’s time to lock down ours on behalf of the American people,” said Hegseth. “President Trump has given this Defense Department the charge to partner with DHS, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
In his first visit to NSGB since his January confirmation, Hegseth emphasized the Department of Defense’s commitment to ensuring the security and operational effectiveness of NSGB. His visit provided an opportunity to engage with the service members and personnel who play a vital role in the base’s mission.
“The way you operate and execute sets the tone for how the entire U.S. government and the American people are represented, so thank you,” said Hegseth in his address to the troops. “It’s humbling to sit where I am and watch the professionalism of our uniformed force, who, under civilian leadership, are prepared not just to execute, but to execute rapidly. And that is exactly what happened here.”
Upon arrival, Hegseth was greeted by Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, and Maj. Gen. Phil Ryan, JTF-SG commander, along with other senior leaders overseeing holding and security operations.
Hegseth observed U.S. military personnel working alongside interagency partners to transport illegal aliens arriving at NSGB by air.
“These warriors are directly supporting the apprehension and processing of individuals encountered at the border,” Hegseth said. “We cannot thank them or their Families enough.”
Before beginning his tour of the migrant operations center, Hegseth paused to have lunch with troops who have been supporting the DHS-led mission since its inception.
“It’s great to put faces to those numbers and names,” Hegseth said. “We’re going to hear a lot about how people characterize what all of you do here. I know everyone here plays a different role, but everything you’re doing contributes to the mission. DoD moved quickly under the President’s orders.”
Hegseth then received a comprehensive briefing from officials who provided an overview of mission operations at the base, including the migrant operations center’s current capacity, security protocols, and contingency plans for potential expansion.
“This mission requires precision, coordination, and commitment,” said Angel Cata, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervisory detention and deportation officer. “Our teams are working around the clock to ensure that all processes are conducted efficiently and humanely.”
The briefing also emphasized the importance of interagency coordination between DoD, DHS, and other partner organizations.
“The Joint Operations Center is a team of teams,” said Ryan. “This is a great example of unity of effort. For them to have achieved what they have in the last three weeks is remarkable.”
After visiting key operational areas, including intake and processing facilities, medical support stations, and security checkpoints, Hegseth toured Camp VI, a medium-security detention facility used to house high-threat-level detainees.
Before departing, Hegseth took time to engage with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines assigned to JTF-SG, thanking them for their service and learning firsthand about their experiences at Guantanamo Bay.
“Very few get a chance to see this mission firsthand. What you’re doing on behalf of the nation is incredibly important,” Hegseth said, recognizing their dedication and tireless efforts. “So, keep executing. Keep driving forward with the professionalism I know you will.”
He also presented commemorative coins to eight troops as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication.
“They make a difference every day,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Olsen, the JTF-SG command sergeant major. “From where we were three weeks ago to where we are now—with the tents, the fences, and the base operations—they’ve been instrumental in making it happen.”
JTF-SG is made up of more than 1,000 DHS personnel, civilians, and service members from U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army South, U.S. Transportation Command, the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, the 410th Contracting Support Brigade, the 56th Signal Battalion, the 512th Geospatial Engineer Detachment, the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, the 508th Military Police Battalion, the 28th Military Police Company, the 36th Medical Company Area Support, the 249th Engineer Battalion, the 593d Expeditionary Sustainment Command, the 25th Quartermaster Company, the 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, the 821st Contingency Response Element and various other U.S. Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force support elements.
In just three weeks, JTF-SG has significantly expanded the camp’s capacity while ensuring that all illegal aliens housed at the facility are treated safely and humanely in accordance with ICE standards.
“This is nothing but a success story and a testament to the capabilities of U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command,” Hegseth concluded. “They dusted off plans and got to work immediately — no excuses, just execution. You should be proud of that effort. We certainly are.”
By Staff Sgt. ShaTyra Reed-Cox