The United States has deported close to 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala this year and also sent a smaller number to Honduras, as per official figures. This marks a change from earlier in President Donald Trump’s second term when such deportations were minimal. Until recently, only a few Mexicans were sent to countries other than Mexico, as the U.S. had followed the principle of non-refoulement in domestic immigration law and international treaties, which prohibits returning migrants to countries where their human rights could be at risk.
The Mexican National Migration Institute (INM) confirmed that Mexicans have been deported to Guatemala and Honduras by the Trump administration, primarily since April, and then transported by bus to southern Mexico. The Mexican Foreign Ministry expressed opposition to this practice, emphasizing that every Mexican citizen has the right to enter the U.S.
Tensions between Mexico and the U.S. over immigration issues have been ongoing, with Mexico also raising concerns about the deaths of 17 Mexicans in U.S. immigration custody or enforcement operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the deportations, stating they are part of the administration’s efforts to carry out extensive deportation operations.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo disclosed that 2,284 Mexicans deported from the U.S. had transited through Guatemala before being returned to Mexico without any refugee or asylum status. Similarly, Honduran authorities did not comment, but records show that 82 Mexicans arrived in San Pedro Sula on flights in August, with additional deportations reported.
Immigration lawyers believe that the U.S. is exploiting a legal loophole by deporting individuals to third countries to indirectly pressure asylum seekers to return to Mexico. This tactic appears to be a strategy to push the Mexican government to control border crossings. President Trump had established agreements with several countries to serve as transit points for migrants expelled from the U.S., including recent agreements with African nations.
The U.S. executed its first deportation under an agreement with Liberia, sending 20 deportees to the country. Deportees from various regions, including Africa, North America, South America, and the Caribbean, were part of this deportation. The Liberian government indicated that deportees could seek asylum if desired.
The U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to halting illegal immigration and enhancing border security.