Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo confirmed on August 19 that 2,284 Mexican nationals deported from the United States had been routed through Guatemala so far in 2025. The deportees arrived on flights carrying returning Guatemalan citizens and were transferred to Mexican authorities within 24 hours of landing, Arevalo stated during a news conference.
U.S. and Mexican governments covered the costs of the operation, according to Arevalo, who described the process as a transit arrangement coordinated with Mexican immigration authorities. The transfers occurred under the Trump administration’s expanded deportation policies targeting illegal immigration.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its opposition to the practice, asserting that every Mexican citizen has the right to return directly to Mexico. A statement from the ministry said it had expressed its rejection to U.S. authorities and was working to facilitate the safe repatriation of affected nationals. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
Human Rights First, an immigration advocacy group, reported that the U.S. has systematically deported Mexicans to third countries since May, including approximately 200 to Honduras. Experts suggest the strategy may be intended to increase the difficulty of illegal reentry by moving deportees farther from the U.S.-Mexico border. Historically, the U.S. has prioritized land deportations to northern Mexico.
Legal and Diplomatic Context
Under international accords, deportees are typically sent directly to their country of citizenship unless their home nation rejects them or conditions are deemed unsafe. Guatemala’s role as a transit point marks a shift in regional deportation patterns, raising questions about compliance with bilateral agreements. The Mexican government has not provided details on the number of cases or associated costs beyond its public statements.
Operational Details
Arevalo specified that the deportees did not receive shelter or remain in Guatemala beyond the transit period. The transfers were conducted in coordination with Mexican immigration officials, who facilitated their repatriation. The Guatemalan president did not disclose the number of flights involved or the specific U.S. agencies responsible for the transfers.
Broader Implications
The practice has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that routing deportees through third countries may violate international norms on migration. Critics also warn of potential strained diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico, despite the latter’s stated willingness to accept its citizens directly. The Trump administration has framed the policy as part of a broader effort to deter illegal migration, though no official rationale has been provided for the use of intermediary nations.