U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited a migrant detention site in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Friday, as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement efforts.
In social media posts made late on Friday, Noem said operations were underway at the base to house the "'worst of the worst' and illegal criminals" in the U.S.
The first group of about 10 migrants was sent to Guantanamo Bay on a military aircraft on Tuesday. A second flight departed the U.S. on Thursday, a U.S. official said.
The administration of President Donald Trump said the initial flight carried alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua but did not provide details about charges or convictions.
Critics say the deportations to Guantanamo are illegal and that detainees may not have adequate access to attorneys.
Trump recaptured the White House promising a broad immigration crackdown and record deportations.
He has taken steps to make it easier for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to arrest non-criminals and tapped the military to provide resources for deportations and border security.