The United States has embarked on a renewed campaign to tackle irregular migration, focusing on deportation efforts and international cooperation. As of 2022, an estimated 11 million undocumented people reside in the U.S., prompting the government to explore various strategies to address this issue. Recently, the U.S. began sending undocumented immigrants to its military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of its efforts to manage the influx.
In a significant development, Guatemala has agreed to increase the number of deportation flights it receives from the U.S. This decision follows a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Guatemala, where he discussed the logistics and implications of these flights with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has been sending approximately 14 flights per day to Guatemala.
"We have agreed to increase by 40 percent the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities." – Bernardo Arevalo, Guatemalan President
The U.S. has exerted pressure on countries in the region to join its efforts in curbing irregular migration. President Donald Trump has campaigned extensively on this issue, emphasizing the need to reduce illegal immigration. The fiscal year 2024 saw nearly 66,000 Guatemalans deported from the U.S., surpassing any single year during Trump's first term.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended President Arevalo for his cooperation, particularly in accepting non-citizens into Guatemala’s borders.
"His willingness to accept not just nationals but those from other nationalities as they seek to ultimately return to their own homelands is also important, and we’ve pledged our support with those efforts." – Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
The U.S. plans to provide financial support to Guatemala to facilitate the return of non-citizens to their home countries. This forms part of a broader strategy where the U.S. is traveling throughout the region to gain backing for Trump's anti-immigration agenda. Despite these efforts, some countries like Venezuela and Cuba have refused to participate in U.S. deportation flights.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has offered a unique form of support by agreeing to jail any violent offenders deported by the U.S. This cooperation highlights a regional approach to handling migration challenges.
Meanwhile, some nations remain hesitant. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed skepticism about accommodating deportees due to resource constraints.
"The Bahamas simply does not have the resources to accommodate such a request." – Philip Davis, Bahamian Prime Minister
The Trump administration has also raised concerns over the legality of accepting migrants from other countries. Secretary Rubio emphasized adherence to constitutional principles during these discussions.
"We have a Constitution." – Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
