President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala disclosed on Wednesday an unexpected 40% surge in deportation flights transporting Guatemalans and migrants of various nationalities from the United States. This revelation was made during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Moreover, Guatemala has made a commitment to establish a specialized task force for enhancing border control and safeguarding the eastern borders of the country. President Arévalo highlighted that this task force, comprising members of the National Police and the army, will be entrusted with combating “all forms of transnational crime.”
President Arévalo stated that foreign nationals returning to Guatemala through deportation flights will be repatriated to their respective home countries. He also mentioned ongoing discussions between the US and Guatemala to streamline and coordinate this repatriation process.
Furthermore, President Arévalo shared that Secretary Rubio expressed his backing for the development of infrastructure projects in Guatemala. He revealed plans for a delegation from his government to visit Washington in the upcoming weeks to engage in negotiations for economic investments in Guatemala. The objective is to create incentives for Guatemalans to remain in their homeland and discourage migration to the US.
President Arévalo clarified that Guatemala has not entertained any dialogues concerning receiving criminals from the US, unlike the proposal made by El Salvador’s president.
Secretary Rubio’s visit to Central American nations marks his inaugural trip as the top US diplomat. This visit coincides with President Donald Trump’s strong emphasis on curtailing migration to the US, which has led to the implementation of various directives, including deploying additional troops to the US southern border.
While tens of thousands of migrants from Central America attempt to reach the US annually, data from Customs and Border Protection revealed a decline in border encounters with individuals from Northern Triangle countries – Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala – in 2024.
Guatemalan officials have previously indicated that they view Washington’s mass deportation initiatives as an opportunity for development. Santiago Palomo, President Arévalo’s press secretary, expressed that the return of Guatemalan migrants presents prospects for the state, government, and private sector to collaborate in a nationwide effort focusing on sectors like tourism and infrastructure.
Palomo emphasized the potential of skilled Guatemalans in the US, stating that they possess valuable capabilities that could benefit Guatemala’s progress, particularly in industries such as food and tourism.
The Guatemalan government is launching a comprehensive plan to welcome returning migrants and facilitate their reintegration into the economy.
While some countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have opposed the use of military aircraft for deportee transportation from the US, Guatemala permits this mode of transport. The current Guatemalan government, elected in 2023 on a progressive, center-left platform, views the country as a firm strategic ally of the US, regardless of the ruling administration.
This report is a work in progress and will be updated as new information becomes available.
