The United States has deported close to 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala this year and also sent a number of individuals to Honduras, as per official records. This marks a departure from the early part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, when such deportations were infrequent. Previously, only a few Mexicans had been removed from the U.S. to countries other than Mexico, in line with the non-refoulement principle in domestic immigration law and international agreements. This principle prohibits sending migrants back to their home countries or third-party nations where their rights or safety could be at risk due to factors like race, religion, or nationality.
The Mexican National Migration Institute (INM) confirmed that Mexicans have been repatriated to Guatemala and Honduras by the Trump administration since April, with subsequent transportation to southern Mexico. The Mexican Foreign Ministry expressed disagreement with this practice to U.S. authorities, asserting that every Mexican citizen has the right to enter the U.S.
Tensions over migrant flows have strained relations between Mexico and the U.S. during Trump’s presidency. Mexico has also raised concerns about the deaths of 17 Mexicans in U.S. immigration custody or enforcement operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation of Mexicans to Central America, stating it is part of the administration’s efforts to conduct significant deportation operations.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo disclosed that 2,284 deported Mexicans from the U.S. have been brought to Guatemala this year before being returned to Mexico, under an arrangement with the Mexican government and without refugee or asylum status. Similarly, official documents show that 82 Mexicans arrived in Honduras in August, with more arrivals following in subsequent days. The U.S. has been using third countries as deportation destinations as a strategy to indirectly pressure asylum seekers to return to Mexico.
The U.S. commenced deportations to Haiti after winning a legal battle, including deporting individuals to Liberia under an agreement accepting up to 1,200 deportees. The Supreme Court’s decision to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians is expected to impact residents from various countries with TPS status. Concerns have been raised about the safety and resources in Haiti to accommodate deportees, given the country’s challenges with violence, poverty, and hunger.
In Liberia, deportees from the U.S. arrived at Roberts International Airport, with the option to seek asylum in the country. The U.S. State Department emphasized its commitment to curbing illegal immigration and enhancing border security.