US sends over 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala, Honduras in deportation shift
US deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala and dozens to Honduras this year, a new tactic to prevent border re-entry.
The United States has deported nearly 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala and at least 82 more to Honduras so far this year, according to official figures, marking a significant shift in how the Trump administration handles Mexican deportees.
Previously, Mexicans expelled from the US were sent almost exclusively back to Mexico by air or land. Now, Washington is routing some through Central American countries as part of what Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo described as a "transit stopover" arrangement.
Arévalo confirmed on Wednesday that 2,284 Mexicans have arrived in Guatemala this year on planes carrying Guatemalan returnees. He said they are returned to Mexican territory within 24 hours in coordination with Mexican immigration authorities. The costs are covered by the Mexican government or US funding.
Mexico's National Migration Institute confirmed that deportations to Guatemala and Honduras have been happening primarily since April, with deportees then bused to southern Mexico. The institute said the US wants to prevent these individuals from crossing back into American territory.
Mexico's Foreign Ministry said it has expressed opposition to the practice and reiterated that every Mexican citizen has the right to enter the country. It added that coordination is underway to ensure safe returns.
Honduras has received at least 82 Mexicans on two flights in August, with more scheduled. Another 165 were reportedly sent between May and mid-July, according to tracking by human rights groups.
Civil organizations believe the tactic is designed to pressure Mexico, which has protested the deaths of 17 Mexicans in US immigration custody. The practice comes as Washington expands agreements with Latin American countries on joint security operations.
Immigration lawyers suggest the administration is using third-country deportations as a legal workaround when court orders prevent direct returns to Mexico. Some deportees may have requested not to be sent back to Mexico out of fear.