Echoes of Injustice: Trump and the Legacy of Guantanamo Bay

Guantanamo Bay was once described as housing the “worst of the worst.” But what if that's a lie?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by human rights attorney Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, special counsel at Human Rights First and author of "Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay".

Joshua has spent more than two decades challenging the injustices of Guantanamo Bay. He explains how fear-driven narratives allowed indefinite detention, torture, and the erosion of due process—and why those same tactics are now being repurposed in immigration policy.

We discuss:

• The true legacy of Guantanamo Bay

• How demagoguery targets immigrants and minorities

• The use of cruelty as political theater

• Parallels to Japanese American internment

• Why empathy and the rule of law still matter

This conversation is a sobering reminder of what happens when executive power goes unchecked—and why human stories are essential to defending democracy.

📘 Through the Gates of Hell is available through major retailers and local bookstores.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation at Lean to the Left.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Trump's Immigration Policies and Guantanamo Bay

01:03 Guest Introduction: Joshua Colangelo Bryan

01:21 The Legal Battle and Personal Bond

16:28 Current State of Guantanamo and Immigration Policies

19:21 Broader Implications and Political Commentary

22:30 Discussion on Venezuela and Foreign Policy

29:01 Closing Thoughts and Book Information