Revealed: US firm running Guantánamo migrant jail accused over rights abuses | US immigration

Guantánamo Bay‘s Migrant Detention Center: A Closer Look at Akima’s Role

The Guantánamo Bay naval base,long infamous for its military prison,now houses a migrant detention center run by akima,a Virginia-based corporate conglomerate with a vast portfolio of US goverment contracts.This move has ignited controversy, raising serious concerns about the conditions and human rights implications of detaining vulnerable individuals at this notorious site.

Akima’s History and Contracts

Akima, with over 40 subsidiaries and more than 2,000 contracts across various industries ranging from IT to security, has a deeply embedded presence in the US government’s operations. Last year,one of Akima’s subsidiaries secured a $163.4 million contract to manage the migrant detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, a deal that extends through June 2029. This contract comes under the scrutiny of recent developments where the Trump administration has announced plans to significantly expand the detention center’s capacity.

Concerns Regarding Conditions and Oversight

The use of Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention raises immediate alarm bells. While the facility currently houses fewer than 50 individuals, the potential expansion to accommodate up to 30,000 migrants raises serious ethical and operational questions. “The Guantánamo Bay military base is seared in the minds of the world as a dark site of torture and impunity,” said Jesse Franzblau, senior policy analyst with the National Immigrant Justice Center. “There is no rational justification for shipping off immigrants to Guantánamo Bay, which should not be used to detain any human beings. Sending people there now without any due process or access to counsel flies in the face of US and international law.”

Further amplifying these concerns are reports of problematic conditions at other detention centers run by Akima within the United States. Federal audits have revealed multiple instances of alleged “inappropriate use of force,” including the pepper-spraying of a confined individual who posed no threat. This pattern raises legitimate questions about Akima’s ability and commitment to ensuring the humane treatment of all detainees.

Lack of Transparency and accountability

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the Guantánamo migrant detention center. Requests for comment from the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, Akima, and legal representatives have gone unanswered. This silence further underscores the need for greater public scrutiny and oversight of this controversial operation.

The Way forward: Ensuring Human Rights for All Detainees

This situation demands immediate action.The Biden administration must thoroughly investigate the allegations of misconduct at Akima-run facilities and reconsider the use of guantánamo Bay for migrant detention.Upholding the fundamental human rights of all individuals, irrespective of their immigration status, should be non-negotiable. A robust and independent oversight mechanism is crucial to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses. The international community must also hold the US accountable to its obligations under international law and demand immediate action to protect the rights of detainees at Guantánamo Bay.

The implications of using Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention extend far beyond this isolated location. It sends a chilling message about the direction of US immigration policy. We must all demand a more humane and just approach that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals involved.

How does Akima’s experience in defence, intelligence, and technology sectors potentially influence its approach to managing migrant detention at Guantánamo bay?

Exclusive Interview: Exploring Akima’s Role at Guantánamo Bay’s Migrant detention Center

Introduction

Archyde News recently sat down with Amelia Hartfield, a renowned international human rights lawyer and academic, to discuss the contentious issue of migrant detention at Guantánamo Bay. With the facility now managed by Akima, a Virginia-based corporate conglomerate, we delved into the history, concerns, and future implications of this controversial operation.

Akima’s Entry into Migrant Detention Services

Archyde News (AN): Akima has primarily operated in defense, intelligence, and technology sectors. What led to their involvement in migrant detention services at Guantánamo Bay?

Amelia Hartfield (AH): Akima’s subsidiary, Akima Global Services, has been expanding its footprint in goverment services, including detention management. The $163.4 million contract for guantánamo Bay is a notable addition to their portfolio. However, the shift towards migrant detention has raised eyebrows, especially given Guantánamo’s infamous history.

Conditions and Human Rights Concerns

AN: The use of Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention has drawn strong criticism. What are the primary concerns about conditions and human rights implications?

AH: The primary concern is Guantánamo’s reputation as a site of torture and human rights abuses. additionally, there are reports of abusive conditions at other Akima-run facilities within the US. Fear of these practices being replicated at Guantánamo is valid, especially as migrant detainees may not have the same legal protections as military detainees.

AN: Can you expand on the potential expansion plans for the detention center?

AH: Plans to expand Guantánamo’s capacity to 30,000 migrants are deeply troubling. This size makes it one of the largest detention centers worldwide, raising serious operational and ethical questions.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

AN: Why is there a lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this operation?

AH: The silence from the Pentagon, DHS, Akima, and legal representatives is deafening. This lack of information makes it difficult to assess the situation accurately and ensures that those responsible cannot be held accountable for potential abuses.

The Future of Migrant Detention at Guantánamo Bay

AN: What steps can the Biden governance take to address these concerns and improve the situation?

AH: The Biden administration should investigate allegations of misconduct at Akima-run facilities, reconsider Guantánamo’s use for migrant detention, and establish a robust, autonomous oversight mechanism. Upholding human rights and ensuring accountability should be priority.

AN ( Final Thoughts): Lastly, do you believe akima’s involvement at Guantánamo Bay signals a broader trend in the privatization of migrant detention?

AH: Indeed, it raises serious questions about the growing role of private corporations in immigration enforcement. We must all scrutinize these trends closely to ensure that profits don’t come at the expense of detainee rights.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on using Guantánamo Bay for migrant detention? Share your opinions in the comments below. This is a sensitive issue that demands our collective attention and action.