Guatemala agrees to increase deportation flights from the US by 40%, signaling a shift in regional migration management.
Quick Takes
- Guatemala will accept 40% more deportation flights from the US, including non-Guatemalan nationals
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured the agreement during his Central American tour
- The US plans to offer financial support to Guatemala for repatriating non-citizens
- President Bernardo Arevalo emphasized the need for a new, humanitarian migration model
- Approximately 66,000 people were deported from the US to Guatemala in 2024
Guatemala Expands Deportation Cooperation with US
In a significant development for US immigration policy, Guatemala has agreed to increase the number of deportation flights it receives from the United States by 40%. This agreement, announced by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, comes after high-level discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move represents a deepening of cooperation between the two nations on migration issues and aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen border security and reduce illegal immigration.
President Arevalo stated, “We have agreed to increase by 40 percent the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.” This expanded agreement not only affects Guatemalan citizens but also includes the acceptance of non-Guatemalan nationals deported from the US, marking a significant shift in regional migration management.
🇺🇸🇬🇹 | BREAKING: Guatemala Strikes Deal with the United States in Taking Back Deportees Under New “Safe Third Country” Agreement
In a significant move following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has agreed to accept migrants from other… pic.twitter.com/TXIIJN5Ije
— Bienvenido (@bienvenido_us) February 5, 2025
US Support and Regional Impact
The United States has committed to providing financial support to Guatemala to assist in the repatriation of non-citizens to their home countries. This collaboration aims to address the challenges faced by both nations in managing migrant flows and enforcing immigration policies. Secretary Rubio expressed support for Guatemala’s efforts, stating, “His willingness to accept not just nationals but those from other nationalities as they seek to ultimately return to their own homelands is also important, and we’ve pledged our support with those efforts.”
The agreement with Guatemala is part of a broader strategy to engage Central American countries in managing migration. El Salvador has a similar arrangement, accepting deportees of various nationalities, including American citizens and legal residents imprisoned for violent crimes. However, legal uncertainties surrounding the deportation of American citizens to other countries remain a topic of debate.
Guatemala’s New Approach to Migration
President Arevalo also emphasized the need for a comprehensive and humanitarian approach to migration. He announced the implementation of a “return-home plan” aimed at supporting dignified migration. “As part of this strategy, we have implemented the return-home plan that makes it possible. We have implemented the return home plan that makes it possible for our brethren to be dignified migrants in the United States,” Arevalo explained.
Guatemala plans to expand its capacity to receive deportees and facilitate their repatriation to their home countries. The country is also establishing a new border security force to combat transnational crime, addressing concerns about security and illegal immigration in the region.
Impact on US Immigration Enforcement
The agreement with Guatemala is expected to have a significant impact on US immigration enforcement efforts. In 2024, approximately 66,000 people were deported from the US to Guatemala, with the 40% increase, this number is set to rise substantially, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on US immigration facilities and resources.
As the US continues to grapple with an estimated 11 million undocumented residents, agreements like this one with Guatemala play a crucial role in the administration’s strategy to address illegal immigration. The expansion of deportation capabilities, combined with increased cooperation from Central American countries, represents a significant step towards more effective immigration control and border security measures.
Sources:
Guatemala agrees to increase number of US deportation flights it accepts
Guatemala gives U.S. another migrant deportation deal
Guatemala agrees to increase deportation flights from US by 40%: President
Guatemala Agrees to Accept More Deportation Flights From US
