Guatemala Agrees to Take in Deported Migrants Under U.S. Expansion Plan 

Guatemala Agrees to Take in Deported Migrants Under US Expansion Plan 

Guatemala has agreed to accept deported migrants from the United States, strengthening Washington’s efforts to accelerate removals. The agreement, announced by President Bernardo Arévalo alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks the second such deal reached during Rubio’s diplomatic tour of Central America. Under the arrangement, the U.S. will cover the costs of repatriation, and Guatemala will increase its deportation intake by 40 percent, processing both its own citizens and migrants from other countries before sending them to their places of origin. While details remain in discussion, Guatemalan officials plan to meet with U.S. counterparts in Washington in the coming weeks to outline the next steps. 

Guatemala and Immigration

Immigration has dominated Rubio’s first overseas mission as Secretary of State. His five-nation tour — covering Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic — has focused on securing new agreements to streamline deportations. The new policies could help the U.S. overcome one of its most persistent immigration obstacles: the inability to easily return certain undocumented individuals due to diplomatic barriers. With limited deportation options for migrants from countries like Venezuela, Washington is looking to Central America for alternative solutions. 

Guatemala is also tightening its border security. The government plans to deploy a new force along its frontiers with Honduras and El Salvador, combining police and military resources to combat transnational crime. 

Rubio’s visit coincides with the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The sudden withdrawal of personnel has left embassy operations uncertain. Rubio met with U.S. diplomatic staff in Guatemala following his press conference with Arévalo, offering reassurances about the transition. Similar meetings took place in El Salvador, though access was restricted to the press. In Panama, before the USAID cuts were announced, journalists had been allowed into the embassy briefing. 

With Guatemala’s expanded deportation program now in place, the State and Homeland Security Departments expect the number of removals to rise significantly. Rubio toured a migrant processing center near a Guatemalan airbase, where deported individuals are prepared for reintegration into their home communities. 

What Else?

Beyond immigration, discussions in Guatemala also addressed narcotics enforcement. Authorities there have intercepted multiple shipments of fentanyl precursors since late November, totaling over 127 kilograms—enough to manufacture more than 114 million doses. 

Despite Trump’s sweeping cuts to foreign aid, Rubio has authorized exceptions for select programs. The Guatemalan deportation agreements is among the only initiatives still receiving funding. According to Rubio, these policies align with U.S. national interests and serve a strategic role in foreign relations. 

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