A federal judge in New Mexico issued a restraining order on Sunday, preventing the U.S. government from transferring three Venezuelan men to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Judge Kenneth Gonzales granted the order during a video hearing, according to Baher Azmy of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which represents the men. Court documents confirming the ruling were not immediately available.
The detainees had sought legal action to block any potential transfer, though no official order to send them to Guantanamo had been issued. They are currently challenging their prolonged detention after fleeing Venezuela to seek protection in the U.S.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not comment on whether they planned to send the men to Guantanamo. President Donald Trump previously announced plans to expand migrant detention at the U.S. naval base, which is also home to a high-security prison for terrorism suspects.
One of the detainees, Abrahan Barrios Morales, expressed fear about being sent to Guantanamo, citing human rights concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Friday demanded access to migrants flown there by the U.S. military, citing legal concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security has provided limited details about recent detainee transfers, stating that a group of about 10 individuals sent to Guantanamo included alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. However, no specifics on criminal charges or convictions have been disclosed.
Also read: USDA Freezes Farm Aid Amid Sweeping Review
