Echoes of Injustice: Trump and the Legacy of Guantanamo Bay
Sun Feb 01 2026
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
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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