• Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announces acceptance of migrants deported from the U.S.
• The agreement includes a 40% increase in deportation flights.
• Rubio's trip is focusing on bolstering immigration policies and addressing legal uncertainties.

GUATEMALA CITY — In a major development during his security-focused diplomatic tour of Central America, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has confirmed that his country will accept deportees from various nationalities sent back from the United States. This marks yet another deportation agreement brokered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the Trump administration's aggressive immigration stance. Under the terms of the new agreement, the number of deportation flights from the U.S. will increase by 40%, encompassing both Guatemalan nationals and individuals from other countries being sent back to their homelands at U.S. expense.

The implementation details are expected to refine the existing system, where Guatemala was already receiving seven to eight flights of its citizens weekly, a practice that had continued under both the Trump and Biden administrations. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador recently announced a similar agreement to accept U.S. deportees, which includes American citizens convicted of crimes, further complicating legal discussions around deportation.

Both Trump and Rubio acknowledged the considerable legal ambiguities surrounding the potential deportation of American citizens. Trump remarked, “I don’t know if we do or not, we’re looking at that right now,” emphasizing a need for clarity in the matter. Rubio echoed these sentiments, describing the arrangement as a generous offer while reminding attendees of constitutional considerations.Source.

Immigration has emerged as a cornerstone issue during Rubio’s bipartisan tour that encompasses five Central American countries with a focus on mitigating illegal immigration flows into the U.S. The recent agreements could address longstanding immigration enforcement challenges, especially concerning origins of migrants like those from Venezuela, where deportations have frequently faced obstacles.

To bolster these efforts, Arévalo has proposed establishing a new border security force designed to patrol Guatemala’s borders with Honduras and El Salvador. This unit aims to combat transnational crime while addressing issues of migration and security.Source.

The ongoing discussions have surfaced concerns regarding the recent dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has left many involved agencies uncertain about their future roles. Rubio's administration is attempting to reassure personnel by continuing funding for programs that align with U.S. national interests, emphasizing that such foreign aid is crucial.Source.

As these frameworks unfold, the Trump administration continues to navigate the complex dynamics surrounding U.S. immigration policy, aiming to engage Central American nations for collaborative solutions as this geopolitical situation evolves.