Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arevalo agrees to accept deportees from the U.S., regardless of nationality, in a move that could reshape regional migration policies.
Quick Takes
- Guatemala will increase deportation flights by 40% for both Guatemalan nationals and other nationalities.
- President Arevalo offers to house dangerous criminals from the U.S., including American citizens.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made a similar agreement to accept deportees of any nationality.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Guatemala to discuss immigration and related agreements.
- Guatemala plans to temporarily house migrants awaiting deportation back to their home countries.
Guatemala’s Bold Move on Deportations
In a significant development for U.S. immigration policy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has announced that his country will accept migrants deported from the United States, regardless of their nationality. This agreement, reached during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guatemala, marks a substantial shift in regional cooperation on migration issues.
The new policy includes a 40% increase in deportation flights, accommodating both Guatemalan nationals and migrants from other countries. This arrangement aims to address challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement while potentially easing the burden on American detention facilities.
Expanding Scope: Housing Dangerous Criminals
In a surprising turn, President Arevalo has also offered to house dangerous criminals from the United States, including American citizens or legal residents currently serving sentences in U.S. prisons. This proposal raises legal questions and echoes a sentiment previously expressed by former President Donald Trump.
“I’m just saying if we had a legal right to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat. I don’t know if we do or not, we’re looking at that right now.” – Donald Trump
While the legality of deporting U.S. citizens to serve sentences abroad remains uncertain, the offer underscores Guatemala’s willingness to play a more significant role in regional migration management. Secretary Rubio highlighted the potential benefits of this arrangement, though its implementation would likely face substantial legal hurdles.
Regional Cooperation and Long-term Solutions
Guatemala’s approach aligns with similar agreements made by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, indicating a growing trend of Central American countries working more closely with the United States on immigration issues. This regional cooperation extends beyond deportations, with Guatemala announcing plans to create a new border security force to help reduce emigration.
“We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.” – Bernardo Arevalo
President Arevalo emphasized that the long-term solution to immigration issues lies in fostering development within Central American countries, reducing the need for people to leave their homes. This perspective aligns with broader efforts to address the root causes of migration in the region.
U.S. Policy and Foreign Aid
Secretary Rubio’s visit to Guatemala coincided with changes in U.S. foreign aid policy, including the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Despite these changes, Rubio has signed waivers to continue funding for programs aligned with U.S. national interests, recognizing the importance of strategic foreign aid in addressing migration challenges.
“This is an example of foreign aid that’s in our national interest. That’s why I’ve issued a waiver for these programs. That’s why these programs are coming back online. And they will be functioning because it’s a way of showing to the American people this is the kind of foreign aid that’s aligned with our foreign policy, with our national interest.” – Marco Rubio
The agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador represent a new chapter in U.S. immigration enforcement strategy. By expanding the capacity to receive and repatriate migrants from other countries, these Central American nations are taking on a more active role in managing regional migration flows. As these policies unfold, their impact on both the migrant populations and the receiving countries will be closely watched by policymakers and human rights organizations alike.
Sources:
- Guatemalan President Agrees To Accept Deportees Regardless Of Nationality
- Guatemala gives U.S. another migrant deportation deal
