The administration of US President Donald Trump is ramping up deportations to third countries in an apparent bid to deter immigration. This shift has seen nearly 2,300 Mexican citizens deported to Guatemala and dozens more sent to Honduras over the past year, marking a significant increase from the beginning of Trump's second term when such transfers were minimal.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo stated that these Mexican nationals have been flown to Guatemala alongside returning Guatemalans. He noted that the deportees typically remain in the country for less than 24 hours before being transferred to Mexico.
President Arevalo emphasized that Guatemala does not function as a safe third country. He further clarified that the financial costs associated with these transfers are covered by either Mexican or US authorities.