The U.S. has deported close to 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala and sent several more to Honduras this year, as per official records, marking a significant change from the early stages of President Donald Trump’s second term when such deportations were minimal. Historically, only a few Mexicans were removed from the U.S. to countries other than Mexico due to the principle of non-refoulement, respecting human rights agreements. The Mexican government has raised concerns with U.S. authorities over these deportations and emphasized that every Mexican citizen has the right to enter the U.S.
Recent deportations of Mexicans to Central America have triggered tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. The Trump administration’s deportation tactics, including sending individuals to third countries like Guatemala and Honduras, have been criticized by immigration experts for exploiting legal loopholes to pressure Mexico into controlling its borders more effectively.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed that over 2,000 Mexicans had been deported to Guatemala, with plans to transit them to Mexico within 24 hours. Similarly, Honduras received 82 Mexicans in August, with additional deportations documented earlier in the year by human rights organizations.
In a separate development, the U.S. began deporting individuals to Haiti following a legal battle that allowed the Trump administration to end the Temporary Protected Status program for Haitians and Syrians. This move has raised concerns as many Haitians have lived in the U.S. since the devastating 2010 earthquake.
Activists have highlighted the dangerous conditions in Haiti, with high levels of violence, poverty, and hunger, making it unsuitable for deported individuals. Meanwhile, Liberia accepted deportees from the U.S., offering asylum options to those arriving at Roberts International Airport.
The U.S. State Department has reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal immigration and strengthening border security amidst ongoing deportation operations.