Trump administration sends over 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala and Honduras in 2026 deportations

The United States has deported nearly 2,300 Mexican citizens to Guatemala this year, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy under President Donald Trump's second term. According to official data and statements from regional leaders, the Trump administration has also sent dozens of Mexicans to Honduras, a practice that was minimal at the start of the year. This new tactic involves flying deportees to Central American countries before transporting them by bus to southern Mexico, a move that has drawn criticism from civil organizations and the Mexican government.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, that 2,284 Mexicans deported from the U.S. have arrived in Guatemala so far this year. He explained that these individuals are brought in as a transit stopover before being returned to Mexican territory within 24 hours, in coordination with Mexican immigration authorities. The costs of these operations are covered by the Mexican government or, in some cases, by U.S. funding. Arévalo noted that Guatemala received only 15 Mexicans in 2025, highlighting the scale of the recent increase.

Mexico's National Migration Institute...