Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced Wednesday that his country will accept migrants deported from the United States under a new “safe third country” agreement. The deal, unveiled during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step in U.S. efforts to address immigration challenges and manage the flow of migrants through Central America.
Under the agreement, migrants from other countries who are deported from the U.S. will be sent to Guatemala, where they will then be returned to their home countries at U.S. expense. The arrangement aims to streamline deportation processes and reduce the burden on U.S. immigration systems.
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The announcement came as part of Secretary Rubio’s first foreign trip as America’s top diplomat, a five-country tour of Central America focused heavily on immigration, a key priority for the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, Rubio secured a similar but broader agreement with El Salvador, which included a provision for the country to accept American citizens jailed in the U.S. for violent crimes.
The “safe third country” agreement with Guatemala reflects the Trump administration’s strategy of partnering with Central American nations to address the root causes of migration and enforce stricter border controls. By designating Guatemala as a safe third country, the U.S. aims to deter migrants from traveling northward and encourage them to seek asylum in the first safe country they enter.
Secretary Rubio’s trip underscores the Trump administration’s focus on immigration as a cornerstone of its foreign policy agenda. In addition to the agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador, Rubio has met with leaders in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to discuss security, economic development, and efforts to combat human trafficking.
The “safe third country” agreements are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to curb illegal immigration and reduce the number of asylum claims in the U.S. Earlier this year, the administration implemented a policy requiring asylum seekers to first seek protection in a third country they passed through on their way to the U.S. border.
While the agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador are seen as diplomatic victories for the administration, their long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. Legal challenges and logistical hurdles could complicate implementation, and the deals are likely to face scrutiny from Congress and advocacy groups.
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