In a significant development, Guatemala has pledged to increase deportation flights carrying Guatemalans and other migrants from the United States by 40%. This announcement came during a press conference held in Guatemala with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Bernardo Arévalo. The move is part of a broader strategy to manage migration effectively and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
Customs and Border Protection data indicates a decrease in border encounters with individuals from Northern Triangle countries, including Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, in 2024. This trend coincides with US President Donald Trump's commitment to reducing migration to the US. Tens of thousands of Central American migrants attempt to journey north annually, underscoring the urgency of addressing migration challenges.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's inaugural trip to Central America includes discussions on border control and economic investments. Guatemala has agreed to establish a task force for enhanced border protection along its eastern borders. Furthermore, foreign nationals arriving in Guatemala through deportation flights will be repatriated to their home countries.
In the coming weeks, Guatemala's government plans to send a delegation to Washington to negotiate economic investment deals. These investments aim to incentivize Guatemalans to remain in their homeland by creating opportunities for development and growth. Rubio expressed support for infrastructure projects in Guatemala, which could further boost the nation's economy.
President Arévalo stressed the potential contributions of repatriated Guatemalans, particularly in the food industry and tourism sector. He believes that those returning have developed skills and capacities that can significantly benefit the country's growth. Santiago Palomo echoed this sentiment, stating:
"The return of our migrants presents an opportunity not only for the state and the government, but to coordinate this as a national effort with the private sector, the tourism sector, infrastructure." – Santiago Palomo
Additionally, Palomo highlighted the abilities of repatriates:
"are people that have built capacities, they can speak perhaps two languages" – Santiago Palomo
Unlike El Salvador, Guatemala has not engaged in discussions about receiving criminals from the US. Instead, the focus remains on leveraging the skills of returning citizens to bolster national development.
