Guatemala’s Surge in U.S. Deportation Flights: What Does It Mean?

Typewriter with "Deportation Order" typed on paper.

Guatemala agrees to accept 40% more deportation flights from the US, including non-citizens, in a move that could reshape regional migration policies.

Quick Takes

Guatemala will increase deportation flights from the US by 40%, including non-citizens
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured the agreement during a regional tour
The US plans to offer financial support to Guatemala for repatriating non-citizens
Approximately 66,000 people were deported from the US to Guatemala in 2024
The agreement aims to address challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement

Guatemala Expands Deportation Capacity

In a significant development for US immigration policy, Guatemala has agreed to increase the number of deportation flights it receives from the United States by 40%. This decision, announced by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, comes after strategic discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement not only expands Guatemala’s capacity to receive its own citizens but also includes provisions for accepting non-citizens deported from the US.

The expanded deportation agreement is part of a broader strategy to manage migratory pressures and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Under the new arrangement, the US has pledged financial support to Guatemala to assist in returning non-citizens to their home countries. This move is expected to have significant implications for regional migration patterns and US immigration enforcement efforts.

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In a significant move following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has agreed to accept migrants from other… pic.twitter.com/TXIIJN5Ije

— Bienvenido (@bienvenido_us) February 5, 2025

Impact on US Immigration Enforcement

The agreement with Guatemala represents a substantial shift in US immigration policy under the current administration. In 2024, approximately 66,000 people were deported from the US to Guatemala. With the 40% increase in flights, this number is expected to rise significantly. The move aligns with the administration’s focus on strengthening border security and reducing illegal immigration. “We have agreed to increase by 40 percent the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities,” stated President Bernardo Arevalo.

Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of this agreement in addressing US immigration challenges. The expansion of deportation capacity is seen as a crucial step in managing the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals currently residing in the United States. However, the agreement does not address the issue of accepting migrants with criminal records, which remains a topic for future discussions.

Regional Implications and Diplomatic Efforts

Rubio’s visit to Guatemala is part of a broader regional tour aimed at gaining support for the administration’s immigration policies. The tour includes stops in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. These diplomatic efforts are focused on creating a unified approach to migration management in Central America.

The agreement with Guatemala follows a similar arrangement with El Salvador, which has agreed to accept deportees of any nationality, including American citizens and legal residents imprisoned for violent crimes. These agreements are part of a larger strategy to address immigration challenges and strengthen regional cooperation on border security and transnational crime.

Challenges and Future Considerations

While the increased deportation flights represent a significant policy shift, several challenges remain. The legal implications of deporting American citizens to other countries are still unclear and may face constitutional hurdles. Additionally, the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development could impact the implementation of these new agreements and related programs in the region.

As the US and Guatemala move forward with this agreement, the focus will be on implementing effective strategies for managing increased deportations while addressing the root causes of migration. The success of this policy will likely depend on continued cooperation between the two countries and the ability to balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations.