The deportation of nearly 2,300 Mexican nationals to Guatemala and a smaller number to Honduras by the United States this year marks a significant change from earlier in President Donald Trump’s second term, when such actions were rare. Previously, only a few Mexicans were expelled to countries other than Mexico due to non-refoulement principles in U.S. immigration law and international agreements. This principle prohibits returning migrants to countries where their rights may be endangered based on race, religion, or nationality.
Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM) acknowledged that Mexicans have been deported to Guatemala and Honduras by the Trump administration since April, with subsequent transportation by bus to southern Mexico. The Mexican government has voiced its disagreement with this practice to U.S. authorities, emphasizing the right of Mexican citizens to enter the U.S.
Under President Trump’s administration, tensions have escalated between Mexico and the U.S. over the flow of migrants across the southern border. The Mexican government has also raised concerns about the deaths of 17 Mexicans in U.S. immigration custody or enforcement operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation of Mexicans to Central America as part of its extensive deportation efforts.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed that 2,284 deported Mexicans have passed through Guatemala as a transit stop before being returned to Mexico. Similarly, Honduran authorities reported the arrival of 82 Mexicans on flights in August, with more arrivals in subsequent months. Immigration lawyers view these deportations as a strategy to indirectly pressure Mexico to accept asylum seekers, exploiting legal loopholes.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decisions have allowed deportations to Haiti and Liberia, impacting individuals under the Temporary Protected Status program. Haitians deported back to their country face challenges due to ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. In Liberia, deportees from various regions have the option to seek asylum. The U.S. government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and securing its borders.
Concerns over safety and resources in Haiti persist, with a significant portion of the population requiring humanitarian aid due to escalating violence and poverty. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Haiti, reflecting the unstable conditions in the nation. Liberia is prepared to receive deportees from diverse regions, offering asylum options if needed.