A delegation of officials from Guatemala is scheduled to pay a visit to Washington in the upcoming weeks to engage in discussions regarding the specifics of the agreement, as conveyed by him. Arevalo was adamant in stating that the newly established agreement should not be conflated with the “Safe Third Country” agreement, an initiative brokered between the Trump administration and Guatemalan officials back in 2019. This previous agreement facilitated the deportation of third-country nationals to Guatemala, allowing them to seek asylum there.
The current agreement seems to be a triumph for the Trump administration, which has pledged to initiate the most extensive mass deportation endeavor in U.S. history and has escalated immigration enforcement operations across the nation. In Guatemala, Rubio also disclosed a provision exempting the country from the substantial reductions in foreign aid programs imposed by the Trump administration. This exemption will enable U.S. aid to persist in supporting Guatemala’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Rubio shared with reporters on Wednesday, “This exemplifies foreign aid that aligns with our national interest. That is why I have granted a waiver for these programs.” Arevalo contended that the prevailing agreement is not premised on a transactional basis. “Our primary concern lies in the reintegration of all returned Guatemalans into the country,” Arevalo asserted. “While undoubtedly there will be Central Americans whom we will also assist in their journey back to their respective countries, it is not a scenario where we have demanded compensation in return for our assistance.”
Since the commencement of Trump’s second term in office approximately three weeks ago, Guatemala has welcomed over 1,400 immigrants from the U.S. For many of these individuals, the abrupt deportation back to Guatemala came as a jolt, particularly since they had not visited the country for several years. Andres Sanchez Gomez recounted to NBC News his arrival in Guatemala on Thursday following his apprehension over 10 days ago while en route to work in Miami. “As Hispanics, we do not deserve this,” he expressed, emphasizing his residence in the U.S. for over eight years. “Honestly, we come to pursue a better life, not to engage in activities we ought not to be involved in there.”
Arevalo anticipates potential hurdles in repatriating individuals like Gomez compared to recent emigrants from Guatemala. “We acknowledge that we will now be receiving families and individuals who have resided in the United States for 10, 15 years,” Arevalo acknowledged, “and their return may not unfold as seamlessly, so to speak.”
