Today marks 20 years of one of our country’s greatest shames.

Two decades ago today, the United States opened the detention camp in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where nearly 800 Muslim men and boys would eventually be held captive.

Lawlessness and cruelty have followed in the years since as the United States tortured many of these men, systematically dismantling their identity and humanity.

Today, 39 men remain at Guantánamo Bay — despite 27 of them never having been charged with a crime. Saifullah Paracha has experienced multiple heart attacks and suffers from a host of other serious medical conditions. Another, Nashwan al-Tamir, has had four spinal surgeries and uses a wheelchair. Mohammed Al-Qahtani has post-traumatic stress disorder and related mental health conditions as a result of his torture, layered on top of a pre-existing traumatic brain injury.

Many of these men have already been cleared for release by our own military and national security agencies. Their ongoing detention goes against the most basic standards of justice, and continues to damage lives and our reputation around the world.

It pains me to say that, over the years, Congress has acted to frustrate rather than facilitate closing Guantánamo. Many of us are trying to do better, and we will continue to push our colleagues to join us.

But the truth is that most, if not all, of the work necessary to close Guantánamo can, and should, be done by the president of the United States.

I was pleased when President Biden announced, shortly after taking office, that his administration would do just that. But I’m dismayed that in the 11 months since that announcement, the Biden administration has transferred only one man out of Guantánamo Bay.

If the president is to make good on his promise to close the facility, he’ll need to dramatically pick up the pace. That's why your voices are so important. We have put pressure on this administration since day one to create a more just, peaceful world, and this critical issue cannot be an exception.

I hope you'll join me in speaking out in support of closing Guantánamo Bay for good. Will you add your name below to call on the U.S. government to take action immediately?

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We can work together to end these harms and profound human suffering. Thank you for making your voice heard.

In solidarity,

Ilhan Omar

Ilhan for Congress or ILHAN PAC
PO Box 33079
Washington, DC 20033
United States
Paid for by Ilhan for Congress
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