The U.S. has expelled around 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala and a few to Honduras this year, as per official records. This marks a change from earlier in President Donald Trump’s second term when such deportations were minimal. Historically, Mexico has refrained from sending Mexicans to countries other than Mexico to uphold non-refoulement principles safeguarding migrants’ rights and safety.
The Mexican National Migration Institute (INM) confirmed that Mexicans have been deported to Guatemala and Honduras by the Trump administration since April, with transportation to southern Mexico following. The Mexican government has protested this practice to U.S. authorities, emphasizing the rights of Mexican citizens to enter the U.S.
Tensions have arisen between Mexico and the U.S. due to the influx of migrants across the border. The Trump administration’s deportation strategy to Central America appears to pressure Mexico indirectly to limit border crossings. Agreements between the U.S. and several countries in the region allow for the deportation of migrants from third countries to these nations.
In a similar move, the U.S. initiated deportations to Haiti after a legal victory, with plans to deport non-Haitians to Liberia under a separate agreement. The Supreme Court’s decision to end temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians has implications for residents of several countries. Activists have raised concerns about the safety and resources available for deportees in Haiti.
In Liberia, deportees from various regions have arrived, with the option to seek asylum if desired. The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal immigration and enhancing border security.