(VitalNews.org) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought a big win to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies as he made Guatemala agree to increase deportation flights from the U.S. by 40%.
Guatemala has committed to accepting a higher number of deportation flights, a decision that marks a shift in its immigration policy.
This increase in flights indicates Guatemala’s intent to cooperate more closely with the U.S. in managing migration challenges.
President Arevalo emphasized the agreement’s scope, stating, “We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.”
“As part of this strategy, we have implemented the return-home plan that makes it possible. We have implemented the return home plan that makes it possible for our brethren to be dignified migrants in the United States,” Arevalo added.
The United States plans to assist Guatemala financially to facilitate the repatriation process of non-citizens deported from the U.S., ensuring those individuals eventually return to their home countries.
Rubio’s visit to Guatemala was part of a larger regional tour to bolster support for Trump’s immigration policies.
This move is likely to resonate with many conservative Americans who have long advocated for more stringent immigration enforcement.
During his trip, Rubio engaged in discussions with regional leaders focused on border security, transnational crime, and the challenges of managing migration.
“His willingness to accept not just nationals but those from other nationalities as they seek to ultimately return to their own homelands is also important, and we’ve pledged our support with those efforts,” Rubio stated.
Approximately 66,000 people were deported from the U.S. to Guatemala in 2024.
The new policy aims to increase this figure by accommodating more flights each day—a significant change from the previous administration’s approach, which saw around 14 deportation flights land in Guatemala daily.
🇺🇸🇬🇹 GUATEMALA STRIKES SECOND DEPORTATION DEAL WITH RUBIO, AGREES TO TAKE MIGRANTS FROM U.S.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has agreed to increase deportation flights by 40%, accepting not just Guatemalan nationals but also migrants from other countries deported from the… https://t.co/QeZeF9RuaD pic.twitter.com/5zIuqAqelI
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 6, 2025
However, key concerns remain unaddressed despite these developments, particularly regarding migrants with criminal records.
The issue was notably absent from the discussions, although El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has proposed jailing violent offenders deported from the U.S. Guatemala.
Rubio’s visit has yielded fruitful outcomes, with Guatemala’s increased capacity to conduct deportation flights a testament to this strengthened bilateral relationship.
This collaboration reflects a tactical approach that suggests the Trump administration’s policies are not just about enforcement but also about strategic international cooperation to address complex immigration challenges.
As these measures unfold, it becomes clear that the efforts coordinated between the U.S. and its Central American allies aim to bridge the gap between national interests and humanitarian needs while maintaining a strong defense against illegal immigration.
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