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Mexico: Hundreds of deportees sent to Guatemala by U.S
The United States is increasingly deporting Mexican nationals to third countries, specifically Guatemala, as part of a strategy to deter migration. Between January and August 21, 2026, approximately 2,284 Mexicans were sent to Guatemala.
Deportees have reported being handcuffed and kept uninformed of their actual destination until the aircraft lands. Many individuals, including those who were working in the U.S., stated they were unaware they were being sent to a third country rather than directly to Mexico.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo clarified that these individuals arrive in the country in a transit capacity and are typically sent to the Mexican border within 24 hours. He noted that this arrangement does not constitute a formal safe third-country policy. The practice is part of bilateral agreements signed by the Trump administration with various nations to manage migration flows.
Entities
Bernardo Arévalo · Donald Trump · Guatemala · Mexico · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement · United States · United States Department of Homeland Security
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permits the deportation of migrants to both their home countries and third countries. keyt.com · localnews8.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Deportees report being handcuffed and kept uninformed of their destination until they arrive in a third country. keyt.com · localnews8.com · muropolitico.mx · www.excelsior.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo stated that deportees arrive in transit and do not represent a safe third country policy. keyt.com · localnews8.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] 2,284 Mexicans were sent by the United States to Guatemala between January and August 21, 2026. keyt.com · localnews8.com