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Guatemala Welcomes Deportees from Various Nationalities
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has announced his country’s willingness to accept migrants from different nationalities being deported from the United States. This decisive move comes as part of a new agreement made during the recent visit of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A New ‘Safe Third Country’ Designation
During a press conference on Wednesday, Arevalo confirmed that Guatemala will become a ‘safe third country’ for deportations. The U.S. government will cover the costs associated with the return of these migrants to their home countries. This initiative aims to streamline the process of deportations while ensuring the welfare of detainees.
Increased Deportation Flights
As part of the agreement, Arevalo stated, “We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights for deportees, including those who are Guatemalan as well as those from other nationalities.” This increase reflects a proactive approach to the growing issue of migration and deportation affecting Central America and the United States.
Comparison with El Salvador’s Agreement
The agreement reached by Rubio with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is similar but more extensive. Bukele indicated that El Salvador would accept U.S. deportees of any nationality, including American citizens and legal residents convicted of violent crimes.
Bukele’s Proposition
In a notable development, Bukele proposed offering the United States the opportunity to outsource elements of its prison system. He expressed this willingness in a post, stating, “We are ready to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.” This proposal emphasizes the unique approach Bukele is taking to manage crime rates within his country.
Rubio’s Assertions on the Agreements
Marco Rubio characterized the Salvadoran agreement as “the most unprecedented, extraordinary migratory agreement anywhere in the world.” He noted that this arrangement allows the U.S. to deport illegal immigrants currently incarcerated in American prisons directly to El Salvador.
Legal Challenges Ahead
While Bukele’s offers present bold solutions to challenges within the U.S. immigration system, it is important to note the significant legal barriers. Deporting U.S. citizens is against federal law, making the inclusion of American criminals in this agreement highly improbable. A U.S. official confirmed that the Trump administration has no intentions of deporting citizens, even as they acknowledged the significance of Bukele’s offer.
Potential Impact on Other Nationalities
Under the ‘safe third country’ designation, Guatemala’s agreement could serve as an option for Venezuelan gang members convicted in the United States, assuming Venezuela declines to accept them. Rubio reiterated that Bukele’s government was open to accommodating detainees from various nationalities.
Addressing Gang Violence
In an effort to combat gang violence, Bukele assured the return of Salvadoran MS-13 gang members residing illegally in the U.S. Additionally, he committed to accepting and imprisoning criminal illegal aliens from any nation, with particular consideration for those connected to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
A Broadening Conversation on Immigration
This recent agreement sheds light on the urgent discussions surrounding immigration policies across North America. As countries grapple with high levels of migration and crime, innovative solutions will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of international agreements.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
