Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arevalo agrees to accept deportees from the U.S., regardless of nationality, in a move that could reshape regional migration policies.
Key Takeaways
- Guatemala will increase deportation flights by 40% for both Guatemalan nationals and other nationalities.
- President Arevalo has offered to house dangerous criminals from the U.S., even if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made a similar agreement to accept deportees of any nationality.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Guatemala to discuss immigration and related agreements.
- Legal uncertainties exist regarding sending American citizens to other countries for imprisonment.
Guatemala’s Expanded Role in U.S. Deportation Efforts
In a significant shift in regional migration policy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has announced that his country will accept migrants deported from the United States, regardless of their nationality. This move comes as part of broader discussions between Guatemala and the U.S. on immigration and border security.
The agreement, reached during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guatemala, includes a 40% increase in deportation flights. This expansion covers not only Guatemalan nationals but also individuals from other countries who have been deported from the U.S.
— Adam Townsend (@adamscrabble) October 23, 2024
Controversial Proposal for Housing U.S. Criminals
In a surprising development, Arevalo has also offered to house dangerous criminals from the United States, including U.S. citizens and legal residents. This proposal has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about its legality and implications.
“We can send them, and he put them in his jails. And, he’s also offered to do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentences in the United States, even though they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents.” – Marco Rubio
Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in this possibility, stating that he would pursue such an option if legally feasible. However, legal experts caution that there are significant constitutional and legal hurdles to overcome before any such arrangement could be implemented.
Regional Approach to Migration Challenges
Guatemala’s new policy aligns with similar agreements made by other Central American countries, notably El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele has also agreed to accept deportees of any nationality, including American criminals convicted of violent crimes.
“We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.” – Bernardo Arevalo
These agreements aim to address the challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement and provide a regional solution to the ongoing migration crisis. As part of this effort, Guatemala plans to temporarily house migrants awaiting deportation back to their home countries, with the U.S. paying a fee for this service.
Long-Term Solutions and U.S. Support
While these agreements address immediate concerns, President Arevalo has emphasized that the long-term solution to immigration issues lies in fostering development in home countries. This approach aims to create conditions where people do not feel compelled to leave their countries of origin.
“This is an example of foreign aid that’s in our national interest. That’s why I’ve issued a waiver for these programs. That’s why these programs are coming back online. And they will be functioning because it’s a way of showing to the American people this is the kind of foreign aid that’s aligned with our foreign policy, with our national interest.” – Marco Rubio
Secretary Rubio’s visit to Guatemala also included discussions on counternarcotics efforts and border security. He has signed waivers to continue funding for programs aligned with U.S. national interests, demonstrating ongoing U.S. commitment to addressing regional challenges collaboratively.
Sources:
- Guatemalan President Agrees To Accept Deportees Regardless Of Nationality
- Guatemala gives U.S. another migrant deportation deal
