The U.S. has transported close to 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala and a smaller number to Honduras in the current year, marking a change from the early part of President Donald Trump’s second term when such transfers were infrequent. Historically, only a few Mexicans had been sent to countries other than Mexico due to the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits returning individuals to places where their rights or safety might be compromised based on various factors. Mexico’s National Migration Institute acknowledged that Mexicans were deported to Guatemala and Honduras by the Trump administration, mainly since April, and then moved by bus to southern Mexico.
The Mexican government has objected to this practice and emphasized the right of all Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. The flow of migrants crossing Mexico and entering the U.S. has caused tensions between the two nations. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration in Mexico has also raised concerns over the deaths of 17 Mexicans in U.S. immigration custody or enforcement operations.
Responding to queries about why Mexicans were sent to Central America instead of their home country, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the large-scale deportation operation aligns with President Trump’s promises. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo disclosed that 2,284 Mexicans deported from the U.S. have transited through Guatemala before being returned to Mexico in collaboration with Mexican immigration authorities. Similarly, Honduran authorities did not comment on the situation, but official documents revealed that 82 Mexicans were deported to Honduras on specific flights in August, with additional arrivals in subsequent days.
It is believed by immigration advocates that the Trump administration is exploiting loopholes to indirectly compel asylum seekers to return to Mexico when direct deportation is not feasible due to legal constraints. Through agreements with various countries, including Mexico, the U.S. has established pathways for migrants from third countries to be directed elsewhere for processing or deportation.
In a separate development, the U.S. initiated deportations to Haiti following a legal victory at the Supreme Court, enabling the deportation of individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haiti and other countries. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision affects TPS holders from multiple nations, including those who sought refuge following catastrophic events. Activists have raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of deportees in Haiti, citing widespread violence and humanitarian crises in the country.
Furthermore, Liberia received deportees from the U.S., including individuals from diverse regions seeking asylum in the West African nation. The U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal immigration and enhancing border security.