The Guatemalan President, Bernardo Arévalo, announced on Wednesday that his country would be willing to accept migrants from other nations who are facing deportation from the United States. This marks the second agreement that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has secured during his visit to Central America. As per the terms of the agreement disclosed by President Arévalo, the deportees would be repatriated to their respective home countries at the expense of the United States.
“We have reached an agreement to increase the number of deportation flights by 40%, accommodating deportees from our own nationality as well as those from other nationalities,” stated Arévalo during a joint press conference with Rubio. Guatemala has demonstrated willingness to cooperate by accepting deportees from the United States on both civilian and military flights.
A similar, albeit broader, agreement was announced by El Salvador earlier in the week. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador declared that his country is prepared to accept deportees from the U.S. regardless of their nationality, including American citizens and lawful residents who have been incarcerated for violent offenses. President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio have both acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding this decision.
Trump expressed, “I would act on it immediately if there is a legal basis for it. We are currently exploring the legal aspects of the matter.” Rubio described the offer as generous but highlighted the legal considerations involved, emphasizing the adherence to the Constitution.
Immigration, a key focus of the Trump administration, has been at the forefront of Rubio’s initial diplomatic mission abroad. This tour of Central America, spanning Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and soon the Dominican Republic, has underscored the significance of addressing immigration challenges in the region.
The trip encountered challenges as the administration moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with an unexpected order issued on Tuesday directing most agency personnel to cease operations. Following the press conference with President Arévalo, Rubio proceeded directly to the U.S. Embassy to meet with staff members and their families who were uncertain about their future within the organization.
The gathering was not open to the media, mirroring a similar closed-door event in El Salvador. Both Guatemala and El Salvador host substantial USAID missions. Prior to the abrupt shutdown directive, Rubio’s embassy event in Panama on Sunday had been accessible to journalists.
