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Illegal Immigrants Are Not Entitled to American Privileges

Venezuelan Migrant’s Complaints About Guantanamo Ignore Legal Reality

By James Seidel | CC News Network

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA. — Illegal Immigrants: José Daniel Simancas Rodríguez, a Venezuelan migrant who entered the United States illegally, was detained, deported, and temporarily housed at Guantanamo Bay before being sent back to Venezuela. Now, he complains about his treatment—despite violating U.S. immigration laws twice and being flagged as a possible national security concern.

His story raises a critical question: Should illegal immigrants expect the same treatment and rights as American citizens? The answer is clear—no.

Due Process vs. Full Rights: The Legal Reality

The U.S. Constitution protects all persons inside the country’s borders—citizen or not—but not all rights are equal. According to Supreme Court rulings in Zadvydas v. Davis (2001) and Plyler v. Doe (1982), due process and equal protection apply broadly, but that does not mean non-citizens have the same privileges as American citizens.

Non-citizens can be detained and deported without the same legal protections as U.S. citizens.
They do not have the right to vote or the automatic right to government-appointed legal counsel in immigration cases.
Immigration enforcement is not a violation of rights—it is the enforcement of U.S. law.

Simancas claims his detention in Guantanamo Bay was “torture”, but in reality, he was processed according to immigration law after attempting to enter the U.S. illegally for a second time. He was flagged due to his tattoos and background in Maracay, Venezuela, a known recruiting ground for the criminal gang Tren de Aragua—which the U.S. has labeled a transnational criminal organization.

If the U.S. government has reason to suspect illegal immigrants have ties to criminal organizations, why shouldn’t they be detained and vetted properly before release or deportation?

Guantanamo Bay: A Necessary Security Measure

Guantanamo Bay has long been used to house high-risk individuals, and the Biden administration had initially approved temporary migrant housing there before pausing the plan. But with the surge in illegal immigration under Biden’s policies, Trump’s administration has returned to stricter enforcement—including the use of Guantanamo for certain deportations.

Simancas says he was hungry and isolated during his 15-day stay in Guantanamo, but what did he expect? He was not an invited guest. He was an illegal entrant who ignored the legal immigration process, crossed through multiple countries, and still assumed he would be welcomed into the U.S.

The reality is simple: The United States is not required to provide luxury accommodations for those who break its laws.

Illegal Immigration Has Consequences—And It Should

The Trump administration’s renewed focus on border security has led to increased deportations and tighter enforcement of immigration laws. This is not cruelty—it is national security and the rule of law.

Simancas was not a legal refugee—he was an illegal migrant who ignored U.S. laws.
He was detained for security screening—as is standard for anyone suspected of criminal ties.
He was not a U.S. citizen—and thus, he was not entitled to the same treatment as Americans.

If someone chooses to enter the U.S. illegally, they must accept that their rights and privileges will not be the same as those who enter legally.

The American Dream Is Not for Lawbreakers

Simancas has since returned to Venezuela, where he reunited with his family. He says his “American dream” ended in a nightmare. But he was never entitled to the American dream in the first place.

If he had followed legal immigration pathways, he wouldn’t have faced deportation or detention. Instead, he chose to circumvent the system and paid the price.

Final Thought

America has immigration laws for a reason. If you enter legally, you have rights. If you enter illegally, expect consequences. Simancas’ story is not one of injustice—it is a clear reminder that illegal immigration is not, and should never be, rewarded.

James Seidel – Publisher, Journalist, Author. Investigator, Podcaster, Radio Talk Show Host, and Music Producer.