In Guatemala City, President Bernardo Arévalo announced that Guatemala will accept deported migrants from the United States, marking the second deportation agreement secured by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his Central America trip. Under the deal, the U.S. will cover the cost of returning deportees to their home countries, with a 40% increase in deportation flights planned for both Guatemalan and non-Guatemalan nationals.

The focus on immigration enforcement has been central to Rubio’s trip, which included stops in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The recent agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala address challenges in deporting individuals back to their home countries, particularly in cases involving violent offenders or American citizens.

To address the root causes of migration, Arévalo emphasized the importance of fostering development to prevent people from leaving their countries. Additionally, Guatemala will establish a new border security force to combat transnational crime along its borders with Honduras and El Salvador.

Rubio’s visit also involved discussions with Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente regarding border security, combating transnational criminal organizations, and addressing illegal immigration issues. The trip highlighted the intersection of immigration policy, foreign aid, and national interests, underscoring the strategic importance of collaborative efforts in managing migration challenges effectively.