Mexican officials have condemned the Trump administration’s alleged practice of sending their nationals to Honduras and Guatemala for deportation purposes.
The U.S. government has reportedly been quietly deporting Mexican citizens to third countries without Mexico’s consent, despite repeated assurances from Mexican authorities that they welcome the return of all their nationals within their borders.
President Donald Trump had previously pledged to implement mass deportations during his second term in office. U.S. officials have stated they are “utilizing all lawful options” to carry out what they describe as “the largest deportation operation in history.”
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry has explicitly rejected the policy, stating: “The government of Mexico accepts the return of all its nationals. It therefore rejects the deportation of Mexican nationals to third countries and has no such agreement in place.” The ministry also added that it “consistently takes the steps necessary to ensure the safe and dignified return of all its nationals to national territory.”
Adam Isacson, a researcher with the Washington Office on Latin America, characterized the practice as “almost entirely punitive,” noting its aim to broadcast hardship among undocumented immigrants by sending them to countries such as Honduras or Guatemala.
