Resolution Opposing CIA Black Site (Gitmo) Prison Expansion & Request for Agenda Time

[Kenneth Feagins]

Dear Colleagues,
First, I want to apologize for adding this resolution to an already packed agenda at the last minute. I recognize that everyone has a full plate, and I appreciate your time and consideration. However, recent developments have made this an urgent issue that I believe deserves our attention.

Recent statements from Donald Trump, particularly during the signing ceremony for the Laken Riley Act, indicate his intent to expand the use of Guantanamo Bay as a migrant detention facility. This marks a dangerous escalation of an already unconstitutional system that has long undermined fundamental due process rights. As Libertarians, we have consistently opposed indefinite detention and the existence of Guantanamo Bay as a legal black hole. The prospect of its expansion, especially for detaining individuals without proper legal recourse, only reinforces the urgency of demanding its closure.

Given the significance of this issue, I would like to host a quick workshop here on the forum before our meeting on Saturday. This will allow us to refine the language of the resolution to ensure it is as clear and effective as possible when presented. Any input is welcome, as my goal is to make the motion straightforward and widely supported, especially given the full schedule ahead of us.

Please share any suggested edits, additions, or concerns here, and we can workshop them ahead of time. Looking forward to the discussion and seeing many of you on Saturday.

The drafted resolution:

Resolution Opposing the Expansion of Guantanamo Bay and CIA Black Site Prisons


Whereas, the Libertarian Party of Texas stands firmly on the principles of individual liberty, due process, and the inherent rights of all people regardless of nationality or status; and

Whereas, the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and other CIA-operated black sites have been notorious for indefinite detention, lack of due process, and allegations of human rights abuses, practices which stand in stark opposition to the values of a free and just society; and

Whereas, the expansion of such facilities would further entrench the erosion of civil liberties, facilitate government overreach, and perpetuate the violation of fundamental human rights under the guise of national security or immigration enforcement; and

Whereas, the utilization of Guantanamo Bay or any similar facility for the detention of individuals—whether they be foreign combatants, asylum seekers, or non-violent immigrants—constitutes a blatant disregard for constitutional protections, the rule of law, and the moral principles upon which our nation was founded; and

Whereas, the Libertarian Party of Texas unequivocally opposes any form of torture, cruel and unusual punishment, or detention without due process, as these practices are abhorrent to the cause of liberty and fundamentally incompatible with a free and just society; and

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Libertarian Party of Texas condemns any and all efforts to expand the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, as well as any CIA-operated black sites, for the purpose of detaining individuals without due process; and

Be it further resolved, that the Libertarian Party of Texas calls for the immediate cessation of operations at Guantanamo Bay and the closure of all CIA black sites, demanding that all individuals currently detained in such facilities be granted access to fair and timely trials or be released forthwith; and

Be it further resolved, that the Libertarian Party of Texas urges all elected officials and government agencies to uphold and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international human rights conventions, rejecting the use of indefinite detention and torture in all forms.

Adopted by the Libertarian Party of Texas on [Date]

The planned motion to adopt the resolution:

I move that the Libertarian Party of Texas adopt the previously drafted resolution opposing the expansion of Guantanamo Bay and CIA Black Site Prisons, with such adoption to be triggered upon the signing of an executive order by the President of the United States or any formal action taken by a member of the President’s Cabinet to move forward with such an expansion.

 

[Andrew Amelang]

We have a full day, but I think we can do this. Let's try something:

Assuming the online workshop goes smoothly and we have a finished product most of us support, I propose to insert this at the first of new business, give it 5' on the agenda, and then ask Kenneth to go straight to the motion. If someone who is not active on the forum and doesn't read reports and motions before the meeting wants to debate this, somebody please call the question. Very straightforward proposition here, let's just get it done or shoot it down without a lot of fuss.

 

[AaronRamos]

We have a full day, but I think we can do this. Let's try something:

Assuming the online workshop goes smoothly and we have a finished product most of us support, I propose to insert this at the first of new business, give it 5' on the agenda, and then ask Kenneth to go straight to the motion. If someone who is not active on the forum and doesn't read reports and motions before the meeting wants to debate this, somebody please call the question. Very straightforward proposition here, let's just get it done or shoot it down without a lot of fuss.

My bedtime is usually 6ish pm these days so I'll be calling all the questions.

 

[Andrew Amelang]