TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — President Xiomara Castro of Honduras stirred controversy with her recent remarks suggesting a potential halt to her country’s collaboration with the U.S. military in response to anticipated mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump. Despite the reaction within Honduras, the U.S. government has not issued any official statements on the matter.
In a televised address on New Year’s Day, President Castro warned that if President-elect Trump proceeds with extensive deportations, Honduras would need to reevaluate its military cooperation with the United States. “Faced with the hostile prospect of mass expulsions of our compatriots, we may need to reconsider our cooperation policies with the United States, particularly in the military domain,” Castro declared.
She pointed out that the U.S. had maintained a presence in Honduran territory for many years without financial contribution, emphasizing that if large-scale deportations of Hondurans were carried out, the rationale for this presence would diminish. Castro expressed hope for a constructive dialogue with the incoming U.S. administration.
This response from President Castro is just one of several reactions across the region to early statements made by Trump. His threats to impose tariffs on Mexico unless it took more decisive action to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking elicited suggestions of potential retaliatory tariffs from Mexican authorities. Additionally, Trump’s criticism of toll charges for the Panama Canal and his proposal for the U.S. to reassume control were staunchly rebuffed by Panama’s president.
The primary U.S. military installation in Honduras is located at Soto Cano Air Base near the capital. Although it is a Honduran facility, the U.S. has upheld a significant presence there since 1983, utilizing it as a pivotal launching site for humanitarian and anti-drug operations in Central America. Joint Task Force Bravo, housed at the base, is characterized by the U.S. Defense Department as a presence that is “temporary but indefinite.”
The U.S. Defense Department refrained from commenting on the situation, citing that it relates to campaign rhetoric rather than established policy. Requests for comment from the U.S. Embassy in Honduras went unanswered at the time of reporting.
Nevertheless, President Castro’s political adversaries swiftly condemned her statements. Jorge Cálix, a potential presidential contender for the Liberal Party in Honduras’ upcoming elections, criticized Castro for jeopardizing Honduras “for personal and ideological reasons.” Political analyst Olban Valladares, contemplating a political bid with the Innovation and Unity Party, dismissed Castro’s warning. “She understands that we lack the capacity to challenge the United States in any meaningful manner, and the repercussions for Honduras would be severe,” Valladares remarked, cautioning that the threat could potentially intensify the vulnerability of Honduran migrants under the Trump administration.
