Guatemala is considering a significant shift in its immigration policy, potentially accepting more foreign nationals deported from the United States under the incoming Trump administration. According to officials who spoke with Reuters, Guatemala is open to receiving deported citizens not only from its own country but also from other Central American nations such as Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti. These countries have historically had strained relationships with the U.S. and have been reluctant to accept deportees in the past.
A Guatemalan official emphasized the need for a regional approach to this issue, stating, “There has to be a regional response,” and expressing a desire for Guatemala to contribute positively to the solution. The anticipation of what could become the largest mass deportation event in U.S. history under Trump’s leadership is prompting Guatemala to maintain amicable relations with the new president during this transition period. Officials anticipate an increase in deportations by fall, although they acknowledge that it will take time for the Trump administration’s plans to fully materialize.
BREAKING: Guatemala is reportedly open to assisting President Trump with his Mass Deportation Operation by accepting their own citizens deported by the Trump Administration.
Good. pic.twitter.com/0hfwdgdr5V
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) December 27, 2024
“We aren’t ready for it, but we know it’s coming,” admitted another government official from Guatemala. Currently, under President Biden’s administration, Guatemala receives 14 deportation flights each week. As of now, Trump’s transition team has not commented on these developments.
Efforts are being made by Trump’s team to engage other countries in the region about accepting deportees as well; however, responses have been mixed. Some nations like Mexico and the Bahamas have declined participation.
In 2022 data from the Department of Homeland Security revealed that Mexicans accounted for over 40% of illegal immigrants in the U.S., while Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras collectively represented over one-fifth of this population.
Guatemala stands out among its neighbors due to its proactive stance toward engaging with Trump’s administration compared to El Salvador and Honduras. Meetings between members of Trump’s transition team and Guatemalan officials have already taken place involving figures such as Sen. Marco Rubio and representatives from organizations like the Heritage Foundation.
The second Guatemalan official highlighted that their primary focus would be on reintegrating their own citizens first upon return. They stressed that every nation should assume responsibility for its people but also expressed hope for establishing a regional pact with countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador aimed at facilitating free movement across borders. This initiative seeks to enable deportees returning home equipped with skills acquired in America which can then be utilized within Guatemala’s private sector.