Who Started Guantanamo Bay
The United States government established the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. Following the September 11 attacks, the administration of President George W. Bush directed the creation of the camp to detain suspected enemy combatants.
When and Why Guantanamo Bay Was Opened
The U.S. first leased the naval base in Cuba in 1903. In January 2002, American authorities began using a portion of the base as a detention center. The site was chosen to operate outside what officials called the regular U.S. court system.
What Guantanamo Bay Is Known For
Guantanamo Bay became widely known for housing detainees in long-term detention without trial. Reports from human rights groups and international organizations raised concerns about interrogation methods and legal rights at the facility.
Who Still Controls Guantanamo Bay
Today, the U.S. government continues to operate the naval base and detention center under a 1903 lease agreement. The facility remains controversial, with ongoing debate about its legal status and future.
For background on the lease and base history, see History.com Guantanamo Bay.
