Guatemala is reportedly ready to help President-elect Donald Trump with his plan to deport large numbers of illegal migrants from the U.S. The Guatemalan government has said it will accept its own citizens and other Central Americans deported by the U.S., according to sources who spoke with Reuters. This could be a big help to Trump, especially since countries like Nicaragua have been reluctant to take back their deported citizens.
“There has to be a regional response,” a Guatemalan official told Reuters. “And we want to be part of the solution.”
Trump promised the largest deportation operation in U.S. history during his campaign. But logistical challenges could slow down this plan, including countries refusing to take back their citizens. Some governments are uncooperative, which complicates deportation efforts.
The number of countries refusing to accept deported citizens varies. House Republicans recently identified 13 countries as uncooperative. These governments frustrate U.S. immigration authorities, forcing some deportees to be released back into the U.S. after a judge orders their removal.
This issue isn’t new for Trump. During his first term, he imposed visa sanctions on countries refusing to accept deportees. His team has considered different ideas for handling large numbers of deportees, including sending them to Caribbean islands.
Under the Biden administration, illegal immigration spiked, and managing deportations became harder. Venezuela, the second-largest source of illegal immigration, stopped accepting deportation flights in February. Other countries like China, Haiti, and Cuba also refused to cooperate with U.S. deportation operations.
Nicaragua, too, became uncooperative due to tensions over migrant smuggling and political repression. But Guatemala is seeking a closer relationship with the Trump administration. The country has already met with Trump transition members and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who may be the next Secretary of State.
“We aren’t ready for it, but we know it’s coming,” a Guatemalan official said to Reuters. The country is preparing for a large number of deportees next year.