Ahead of festival season, Santa Claus in Guatemala can be seen flying in on a helicopter to visit children.

Santa Claus in Guatemala is flying in on a helicopter to visit children

Police in Guatemala have found 54 Haitian migrants, including 14 children, traveling toward Mexico in a truck trailer with the hope of reaching the United States, officials said Tuesday.

Two Guatemalans suspected of driving the truck were detained, police spokesman Jorge Aguilar said in a statement.

The Haitians were "immediately given assistance and transported to the border" with Honduras, from where they had entered Guatemala illegally.

Scores of Haitians have arrived in Central America trying to reach the United States, adding to the already large numbers of people from the region also looking for a brighter future there.

Many Haitians arrive in Central America after crossing the treacherous Darian Gap jungle between Colombia and Panama.&nbsp;

More than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Darian Gap in 2021 so far, according to official Panamanian figures, almost as many as during the past six years combined.

Over 50 migrants have died trying to cross that jungle this year alone, according to Panamanian authorities. 
The jungle route is full of peril, including wild animals, armed gangs and dangerous rivers.

Police in Guatemala have found 54 Haitian migrants, including 14 children, traveling toward Mexico in a truck trailer with the hope of reaching the United States, officials said Tuesday.

Police in Guatemala have found 54 Haitian migrants, including 14 children, traveling toward Mexico in a truck trailer with the hope of reaching the United States, officials said Tuesday. Two Guatemalans suspected of driving the truck were detained, police spokesman Jorge Aguilar said in a statement. The Haitians were "immediately given assistance and transported to the border" with Honduras, from where they had entered Guatemala illegally. Scores of Haitians have arrived in Central America trying to reach the United States, adding to the already large numbers of people from the region also looking for a brighter future there. Many Haitians arrive in Central America after crossing the treacherous Darian Gap jungle between Colombia and Panama. More than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Darian Gap in 2021 so far, according to official Panamanian figures, almost as many as during the past six years combined. Over 50 migrants have died trying to cross that jungle this year alone, according to Panamanian authorities. The jungle route is full of peril, including wild animals, armed gangs and dangerous rivers.

Guatemalan police find 54 Haitian migrants in truck trailer

With giant kites soaring the skies, the Guatemalan community of Santiago Sacatepequez commemorated its traditional ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration. Hand-made out of paper with striking designs, the 20-meter-kites took months to complete.

Giant kites fly in Guatemala as part of Day of the Dead festivities

Guatemala's Fuego volcano began a strong eruptive phase on Thursday, spewing lava and ash in a series of explosions that have not yet forced any evacuations, authorities said.

The eruptions produced a long river of lava flowing down to the base of the volcano, some 35 kilometers southwest of the capital Guatemala City, said Emilio Barillas of the Insivumeh volcano institute.

"Activity that is taking place at the moment corresponds to the beginning of an eruption of strombolian character," Barillas said, using the scientific word for a mix of explosions and lava flow.

Fuego, 3.7 kilometers high, is one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/footprints-reveal-humans-arrived-in-americas-before-end-of-ice-age-415362">Also read |&nbsp;Footprints reveal humans arrived in Americas before end of Ice Age</a>

The recently recorded activity is the strongest since June 2018, when Fuego unleashed a torrent of mud and ash that wiped the village of San Miguel Los Lotes from the map, said Barillas.

More than 200 people were killed.

On Thursday, several communities at the foot of the mountain reported nothing more serious than a downpour of ash, said the national Conred disaster coordination center.

"For now, no evacuation program has been initiated," said Conred spokesman David de Leon, though the situation was being closely followed.

Guatemala's Fuego volcano began a strong eruptive phase on Thursday, spewing lava and ash in a series of explosions that have not yet forced any evacuations, authorities said.

Guatemala's Fuego volcano began a strong eruptive phase on Thursday, spewing lava and ash in a series of explosions that have not yet forced any evacuations, authorities said. The eruptions produced a long river of lava flowing down to the base of the volcano, some 35 kilometers southwest of the capital Guatemala City, said Emilio Barillas of the Insivumeh volcano institute. "Activity that is taking place at the moment corresponds to the beginning of an eruption of strombolian character," Barillas said, using the scientific word for a mix of explosions and lava flow. Fuego, 3.7 kilometers high, is one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala. Also read | Footprints reveal humans arrived in Americas before end of Ice Age The recently recorded activity is the strongest since June 2018, when Fuego unleashed a torrent of mud and ash that wiped the village of San Miguel Los Lotes from the map, said Barillas. More than 200 people were killed. On Thursday, several communities at the foot of the mountain reported nothing more serious than a downpour of ash, said the national Conred disaster coordination center. "For now, no evacuation program has been initiated," said Conred spokesman David de Leon, though the situation was being closely followed.

Guatemala volcano erupts but no evacuations yet

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery. 
 
The government of President Alejandro Giammattei paid some $80 million in early April for a supply of 8 million doses of the vaccine. So far, it has received just 150,000 of those, the government said, while COVID-19 infections in the Central American country have risen to a peak. 
 
The minister said Guatemala had given the Russian direct investment fund (RDIF), which is responsible for marketing the vaccine abroad, 20 days to deliver the promised doses. 
 
A spokesman for the RDIF said additional supplies of the vaccine would reach Guatemala soon. 
 
"Another plane with Sputnik V is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala this week, with the next one coming already early next week to keep fulfilling obligations regarding the contract," Gleb Bryanski, director for special projects at RDIF, said in an emailed statement. 
 
Russia President Vladimir Putin has trumpeted the Sputnik V vaccine around the world. He said in March that the country had signed agreements for the production of hundreds of millions of doses abroad. 
 
But Russia had produced only a fraction of those and its output is much lower than those manufactured each month by Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

(With inputs from agencies)

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery.

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery. The government of President Alejandro Giammattei paid some $80 million in early April for a supply of 8 million doses of the vaccine. So far, it has received just 150,000 of those, the government said, while COVID-19 infections in the Central American country have risen to a peak. The minister said Guatemala had given the Russian direct investment fund (RDIF), which is responsible for marketing the vaccine abroad, 20 days to deliver the promised doses. A spokesman for the RDIF said additional supplies of the vaccine would reach Guatemala soon. "Another plane with Sputnik V is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala this week, with the next one coming already early next week to keep fulfilling obligations regarding the contract," Gleb Bryanski, director for special projects at RDIF, said in an emailed statement. Russia President Vladimir Putin has trumpeted the Sputnik V vaccine around the world. He said in March that the country had signed agreements for the production of hundreds of millions of doses abroad. But Russia had produced only a fraction of those and its output is much lower than those manufactured each month by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. (With inputs from agencies)

Guatemala asks Russia to return money over failure to deliver Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine

US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States. 
 
Since President Joe Biden took office in January, the number of migrants taken into custody per month at the US&nbsp;Mexico border has risen to the highest levels in 20 years 
 
"Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders," Harris said at a news conference alongside Giammattei. "If you come to our border, you will be turned back." 
 
Harris also said a US&nbsp;anti-corruption task force would work with local prosecutors to punish corrupt actors in the region. 
 
The Biden administration has identified corruption as an underlying cause of the poverty and violence driving record numbers of Central Americans to go to the United States. 
 
The corruption task force has been previously floated, but Harris gave more details, saying it will combine resources from the Justice, State and Treasury departments. 
 
In the build-up to Harris' visit to Guatemala, her first official overseas trip, differences of opinion emerged about the fight against graft, with corruption fighters feted by Washington being criticised by Giammattei. 
 
"We had a robust, candid and thorough conversation," Harris said at the news conference after a three-hour meeting with Giammattei, who said they had discussed US&nbsp;concerns about developments in Guatemala. 
 
"The president and I discussed the importance of anti-corruption and the importance of an independent judiciary," Harris said. Washington has criticised the removal of a senior judge from Guatemala's top court, in what Giammattei has argued was a legitimate process. 
 
Giammattei defended his own record in fighting malfeasance, saying he had not been accused of wrongdoing and saying graft was not only a problem faced by politicians. The fight against drug trafficking needed to be an integral part of tackling corruption, he said. 
 
On the immigration front, he announced a new processing center for migrants sent back from Mexico and the United States, which could increase capacity. He said the focus of the two countries should be on creating prosperity. 
 
Most Guatemalan migrants leave because of poverty, he said, and come from a few rural municipalities. 
 
Harris, a Democratic former US&nbsp;senator from California, responded to Republican criticism against her for not visiting the US-Mexico border and the administration for ignoring what they say is a crisis there. She said she was working on the ground in Guatemala. 
 
"I'm just focused on that kind of work as opposed to grand gestures," she said. 
 
But she also took flak from fellow Democrats like US&nbsp;Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said on Twitter she was disappointed by Harris's message to migrants. 
 
"Seeking asylum at any US&nbsp;border is a 100% legal method of arrival," she tweeted. She said the United States has contributed to regime change and destabilisation in Latin America for decades. "We can't help set someone's house on fire and then blame them for fleeing." 
 
The United States orchestrated a coup against democratically elected leftist government Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, ushering in decades of military governments and a civil war estimated to have killed more than 200,000 people by the time it ended in 1996. 
 
More recently, the US-financed, UN&nbsp;Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala helped bring down democratically elected conservative President Otto Perez Molina, a former general, who resigned after massive protests triggered by an investigation into corruption in his government.&nbsp; 
 
The Biden administration on Monday also unveiled details of another task force of prosecutors to combat human smuggling in Central America and Mexico. 
 
US&nbsp;Attorney General Merrick B&nbsp;Garland said the Joint Task Force Alpha would marshal Justice Department and Homeland Security resources against 'the most prolific and dangerous' human smuggling and trafficking groups in the region, according to a statement. It said the group will complement efforts against corrupt actors. 
 
However, Washington's push to tackle 'root causes' of migration in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have been undermined by a backlash against anti-corruption bodies the United States considers independent but that local elites say are biased. 
 
Harris also met civil society leaders and entrepreneurs in Guatemala. The White House announced a $7.5 million commitment through USAID to support entrepreneurs in Guatemala, as well as millions more in investments in affordable housing, agri-businesses and loans to small businesses. 
 
Harris said she discussed sharing COVID-19 vaccines with Guatemala during Monday's meeting. She confirmed that the United States would supply half a million COVID-19 doses to Guatemala in addition to the $26 million it has given the country to fight the pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States.

US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States. Since President Joe Biden took office in January, the number of migrants taken into custody per month at the US Mexico border has risen to the highest levels in 20 years "Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders," Harris said at a news conference alongside Giammattei. "If you come to our border, you will be turned back." Harris also said a US anti-corruption task force would work with local prosecutors to punish corrupt actors in the region. The Biden administration has identified corruption as an underlying cause of the poverty and violence driving record numbers of Central Americans to go to the United States. The corruption task force has been previously floated, but Harris gave more details, saying it will combine resources from the Justice, State and Treasury departments. In the build-up to Harris' visit to Guatemala, her first official overseas trip, differences of opinion emerged about the fight against graft, with corruption fighters feted by Washington being criticised by Giammattei. "We had a robust, candid and thorough conversation," Harris said at the news conference after a three-hour meeting with Giammattei, who said they had discussed US concerns about developments in Guatemala. "The president and I discussed the importance of anti-corruption and the importance of an independent judiciary," Harris said. Washington has criticised the removal of a senior judge from Guatemala's top court, in what Giammattei has argued was a legitimate process. Giammattei defended his own record in fighting malfeasance, saying he had not been accused of wrongdoing and saying graft was not only a problem faced by politicians. The fight against drug trafficking needed to be an integral part of tackling corruption, he said. On the immigration front, he announced a new processing center for migrants sent back from Mexico and the United States, which could increase capacity. He said the focus of the two countries should be on creating prosperity. Most Guatemalan migrants leave because of poverty, he said, and come from a few rural municipalities. Harris, a Democratic former US senator from California, responded to Republican criticism against her for not visiting the US-Mexico border and the administration for ignoring what they say is a crisis there. She said she was working on the ground in Guatemala. "I'm just focused on that kind of work as opposed to grand gestures," she said. But she also took flak from fellow Democrats like US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said on Twitter she was disappointed by Harris's message to migrants. "Seeking asylum at any US border is a 100% legal method of arrival," she tweeted. She said the United States has contributed to regime change and destabilisation in Latin America for decades. "We can't help set someone's house on fire and then blame them for fleeing." The United States orchestrated a coup against democratically elected leftist government Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, ushering in decades of military governments and a civil war estimated to have killed more than 200,000 people by the time it ended in 1996. More recently, the US-financed, UN Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala helped bring down democratically elected conservative President Otto Perez Molina, a former general, who resigned after massive protests triggered by an investigation into corruption in his government. The Biden administration on Monday also unveiled details of another task force of prosecutors to combat human smuggling in Central America and Mexico. US Attorney General Merrick B Garland said the Joint Task Force Alpha would marshal Justice Department and Homeland Security resources against 'the most prolific and dangerous' human smuggling and trafficking groups in the region, according to a statement. It said the group will complement efforts against corrupt actors. However, Washington's push to tackle 'root causes' of migration in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have been undermined by a backlash against anti-corruption bodies the United States considers independent but that local elites say are biased. Harris also met civil society leaders and entrepreneurs in Guatemala. The White House announced a $7.5 million commitment through USAID to support entrepreneurs in Guatemala, as well as millions more in investments in affordable housing, agri-businesses and loans to small businesses. Harris said she discussed sharing COVID-19 vaccines with Guatemala during Monday's meeting. She confirmed that the United States would supply half a million COVID-19 doses to Guatemala in addition to the $26 million it has given the country to fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Harris takes on graft in Guatemala, tells migrants 'do not come'

A rival gang war broke out in a Guatemala prison, leading to the death of at least six inmates, on Thursday.

The fight broke out in the Cantel prison, located in the Quetzaltenango area of Guatemala where the two gangs — Mara Salvatrucha gang and the Barrio — got into a deadly fight.

As per the primary investigation, the six dead inmates were beheaded in the gang war. "Preliminarily, the death of seven inmates is known," the Ministry of the Interior (Interior) said in a statement.

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The authorities believe the gang war started with one side attacking the rival group members a few days ago over a disagreement. The other group simply retaliated to that incident.

Once the riots started, it became difficult for the current staff to handle the situation and nearly 500 police officers had to be deployed to take back control of the prison. However, things still got out of control, leading to the beheading of at least four prisoners.

The two gangs involved in the riot are linked to drug trading and extortion rackets.

An investigation has been launched into the matter.

A rival gang war broke out in a Guatemala prison, leading to the death of at least six inmates, on Thursday. The fight broke out in the Cantel prison, located in the Quetzaltenango area of Guatemala where the two gangs — Mara Salvatrucha gang and the Barrio — got into a deadly fight.

A rival gang war broke out in a Guatemala prison, leading to the death of at least six inmates, on Thursday. The fight broke out in the Cantel prison, located in the Quetzaltenango area of Guatemala where the two gangs — Mara Salvatrucha gang and the Barrio — got into a deadly fight. As per the primary investigation, the six dead inmates were beheaded in the gang war. "Preliminarily, the death of seven inmates is known," the Ministry of the Interior (Interior) said in a statement. The authorities believe the gang war started with one side attacking the rival group members a few days ago over a disagreement. The other group simply retaliated to that incident. Once the riots started, it became difficult for the current staff to handle the situation and nearly 500 police officers had to be deployed to take back control of the prison. However, things still got out of control, leading to the beheading of at least four prisoners. The two gangs involved in the riot are linked to drug trading and extortion rackets. An investigation has been launched into the matter.

At least six inmates beheaded in Guatemala prison: Officials

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden dispatched US envoys, including White House border coordinator Roberta Jacobson, to the two countries on Monday for talks on how to manage the increase in the number of migrants heading for the US-Mexican border.&nbsp;

When asked if the US delegation would seek support from local officials, Psaki told a news briefing, "Absolutely, part of our objective as Roberta Jacobson...conveyed when she was in here just a few weeks ago, was that we need to work in partnership with these countries to address the root causes in their countries to convey clearly and systematically that this is not the time to travel."&nbsp;

Jacobson was joined by Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere, and Honduran-born diplomat Ricardo Zuniga, just appointed by the State Department as the Northern Triangle special envoy.&nbsp;

Gonzalez will continue to Guatemala to meet Guatemalan officials, as well as representatives from civil society and non-governmental organisations.&nbsp;

Biden’s promise to end former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies has been complicated by a recent spike in the number of migrants crossing the border illegally.&nbsp;

The increase in the number of migrants fleeing violence, natural disasters and economic hardship in Central America is testing Biden’s commitment to a more humane immigration policy.&nbsp;

White House spokeswoman Emily Horne said Jacobson's goal in Mexico is developing 'an effective and humane plan of action to manage migration'.&nbsp;

The visit was also announced by Mexico's foreign ministry, which said the talks would take place on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Gonzalez' aim in Guatemala is to ''address root causes of migration in the region and build a more hopeful future in the region," Horne said.&nbsp;

US officials are struggling to house and process an increasing number of unaccompanied children, many of whom have been stuck in jail-like border stations for days while they await placement in overwhelmed government-run shelters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico.

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico. President Joe Biden dispatched US envoys, including White House border coordinator Roberta Jacobson, to the two countries on Monday for talks on how to manage the increase in the number of migrants heading for the US-Mexican border. When asked if the US delegation would seek support from local officials, Psaki told a news briefing, "Absolutely, part of our objective as Roberta Jacobson...conveyed when she was in here just a few weeks ago, was that we need to work in partnership with these countries to address the root causes in their countries to convey clearly and systematically that this is not the time to travel." Jacobson was joined by Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere, and Honduran-born diplomat Ricardo Zuniga, just appointed by the State Department as the Northern Triangle special envoy. Gonzalez will continue to Guatemala to meet Guatemalan officials, as well as representatives from civil society and non-governmental organisations. Biden’s promise to end former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies has been complicated by a recent spike in the number of migrants crossing the border illegally. The increase in the number of migrants fleeing violence, natural disasters and economic hardship in Central America is testing Biden’s commitment to a more humane immigration policy. White House spokeswoman Emily Horne said Jacobson's goal in Mexico is developing 'an effective and humane plan of action to manage migration'. The visit was also announced by Mexico's foreign ministry, which said the talks would take place on Tuesday. Gonzalez' aim in Guatemala is to ''address root causes of migration in the region and build a more hopeful future in the region," Horne said. US officials are struggling to house and process an increasing number of unaccompanied children, many of whom have been stuck in jail-like border stations for days while they await placement in overwhelmed government-run shelters. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden sends envoys to Mexico, Guatemala for help on migrant flow 

Guatemalan security forces broke up the migrant caravan which is been trying to cross its border to continue their journey to the United States.

Your Story: Guatemalan forces stop Honduran migrants at the border

Joe Biden has promised to prioritize legal status for 11 million immigrants. This triggered an exodus from Honduras, leading to violent clashes between the migrants and Guatemalan Security Forces. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why migrants from Honduras are rushing to the US

Violent clashes have erupted between Guatemalan security forces and migrants caravan which has been trying to cross Guatemala's border to continue their journey to the United States.

Violent clashes erupt between Guatemala forces and migrants

Guatemalan police fired tear gas Sunday to disperse thousands of migrants headed for the United States on foot, and soldiers beat back a group that tried to push through barriers, AFP journalists witnessed.

Security forces surrounded the migrant caravan on a road in the town of Vado Hondo, near the border with Honduras where they came from, and fired tear gas.

Also read|&nbsp;U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bound-migrant-caravan-in-guatemala-swells-to-over-8000-people-357193">S-bound migrant caravan in Guatemala swells to over 8,000 people</a>

Police say at least 6,000 people had arrived in the town, out of some 9,000 who left Honduras in recent days in the hopes of making it to the United States to start a new life there.

The deafening explosions of gas and smoke cannisters caused thousands of the migrants to turn back, while others fled into nearby mountains. Many dropped their sparse belongings in their haste to get out of harm's way.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-us-bound-honduran-migrants-cross-border-into-guatemala-357082">Thousands of US-bound Honduran migrants cross border into Guatemala</a>

Some who tried to break through a fence were beaten back by uniformed personnel kitted out with clubs and plastic shields.

A health official from the region, who did not give their name, said several of the migrants were injured after being struck.

Some in the police contingent were carrying firearms.

Guatemalan police fired tear gas Sunday to disperse thousands of migrants headed for the United States on foot, and soldiers beat back a group that tried to push through barriers, AFP journalists witnessed.

Guatemalan police fired tear gas Sunday to disperse thousands of migrants headed for the United States on foot, and soldiers beat back a group that tried to push through barriers, AFP journalists witnessed. Security forces surrounded the migrant caravan on a road in the town of Vado Hondo, near the border with Honduras where they came from, and fired tear gas. Also read| US-bound migrant caravan in Guatemala swells to over 8,000 people Police say at least 6,000 people had arrived in the town, out of some 9,000 who left Honduras in recent days in the hopes of making it to the United States to start a new life there. The deafening explosions of gas and smoke cannisters caused thousands of the migrants to turn back, while others fled into nearby mountains. Many dropped their sparse belongings in their haste to get out of harm's way. Also read| Thousands of US-bound Honduran migrants cross border into Guatemala Some who tried to break through a fence were beaten back by uniformed personnel kitted out with clubs and plastic shields. A health official from the region, who did not give their name, said several of the migrants were injured after being struck. Some in the police contingent were carrying firearms.

Guatemala police fire tear gas at US-bound migrant caravan

Central America has been hit by one of the worst storms hurricane Eta. The storm unleashed floods and triggered landslides on its deadly march across Central America. At least 50 people have been killed in the Guatemala.

Hurricane Eta rages across Central America, at least 50 killed in Guatemala

The Guatemala government sent back at least 3,500 Honduran migrants from a caravan who were heading to the United States.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-us-bound-migrants-surge-into-guatemala-331883">Also Read: Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala</a>

President Alejandro Giammattei said that security forces were able to "contain" the caravan which he said was responsible for the spread of coronavirus.

Mexico had closed its borders after the caravan entered eastern Guatemala on Thursday after it broke through a &nbsp;military cordon on the Corinto border.

According to Guatemala government, 2,800 people had crossed the border initially, however, some migrant were still in Tecun Uman, near the Mexico border and some others scattered between Honduras and Peten.

"We respect the right to migration as long as it is regulated and the requirements and protocols that have been established are complied with, and not as happened with this group of migrants who broke into our country with violence," Giammattei said.

Mexico had said earlier that illegal migrants who knowingly put others at risk of COVID-19 could face jail.

Vice Minister of Foreign Relations Eduardo Hernandez said that Honduras has not "assumed the responsibility to take preventative actions to avoid the problem" while adding that government has been working to prevent people from migrating illegally.

Honduras had said earlier that 533 people had returned after setting out for Guatemala on Saturday.

President Donald Trump had made the migrant issue from Mexico his main poll plank in 2016. The Trump administration has threatened Mexico with tariffs if it fails to stop illegal migrants.

The Guatemala government sent back at least 3,500 Honduran migrants from a caravan who were heading to the United States. Also Read: Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei said that security forces were able to "contain" the caravan which he said was responsible for the spread of coronavirus.

The Guatemala government sent back at least 3,500 Honduran migrants from a caravan who were heading to the United States. Also Read: Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei said that security forces were able to "contain" the caravan which he said was responsible for the spread of coronavirus. Mexico had closed its borders after the caravan entered eastern Guatemala on Thursday after it broke through a military cordon on the Corinto border. According to Guatemala government, 2,800 people had crossed the border initially, however, some migrant were still in Tecun Uman, near the Mexico border and some others scattered between Honduras and Peten. "We respect the right to migration as long as it is regulated and the requirements and protocols that have been established are complied with, and not as happened with this group of migrants who broke into our country with violence," Giammattei said. Mexico had said earlier that illegal migrants who knowingly put others at risk of COVID-19 could face jail. Vice Minister of Foreign Relations Eduardo Hernandez said that Honduras has not "assumed the responsibility to take preventative actions to avoid the problem" while adding that government has been working to prevent people from migrating illegally. Honduras had said earlier that 533 people had returned after setting out for Guatemala on Saturday. President Donald Trump had made the migrant issue from Mexico his main poll plank in 2016. The Trump administration has threatened Mexico with tariffs if it fails to stop illegal migrants.

Guatemala sends back 3,500 Honduran migrants headed to US

Thousands of mostly Honduran migrants bound for the United States surged across the border into Guatemala on Thursday, just weeks before a tense American presidential election where immigration is a key issue.

Carrying backpacks and plastic bags, the migrants pushed past two lines of Guatemalan soldiers at the Entre Rios border crossing and continued north -- defying the risks and restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

However late Thursday Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, in an address to the nation, ordered the Hondurans detained and sent back to their home country.

However he urged them to "please return" voluntarily to their country.&nbsp;

Guatemalan Migration Institute officials said some 3,000 people had crossed the border without submitting to a Covid-19 test, required for foreigners entering the country.

Many were not wearing masks to protect against the spread of infection.

Giammattei said that "a massive group of Hondurans violently broke in" at the border town of Corinto, in Izabal province.

"Amid the current health emergency, not only did they fail to respect measures to enter the country but also health measures established to protect our citizens," he said.

The priority for the Honduran migrants however was getting to the United States, where they would somehow seek refuge.

"We're not thinking about the pandemic, it's the last thing on our minds," 20-year-old Jefrey Amaya told AFP, part of a group of young people from El Negrito, in Honduras' Yoro department.

Amaya said he had joined the caravan after seeing a message on social media.

Soldiers handed out water to passing migrants, some of whom applauded the troops for allowing them to pass.

Dozens of migrants hitched a ride on the back of a large flatbed truck as they headed toward Mexico.

Just a few miles into Guatemala a Honduran migrant died when he fell from a moving truck.

- Open border -

In recent years, thousands of Central American migrants traveling in large groups have crossed into Mexico, with the aim of reaching the US border.

The caravan is headed north just a month before the US presidential election, in which President Donald Trump -- whose hard line against migrants is a central plank of his policy platform -- is seeking a second term.&nbsp;

Trump has threatened Mexico with steep US tariffs if it does not do more to stop a surge of undocumented migrants, and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has since deployed some 26,000 troops to the country's borders in response.

Trump's administration on Thursday announced the US will admit a record low of 15,000 refugees in the coming year.

His Democratic rival in the November 3 election, Joe Biden, has pledged to raise the refugee cap to 125,000, saying that welcoming the persecuted is in line with US values.

The latest migrant caravan set off on Wednesday night from Honduras' second city San Pedro Sula.&nbsp;

Honduran Red Cross officials said 1,200 people left in a first group, joined a few hours later by around 2,000 more, walking north to the Guatemalan border.

- Virus risk -

Guatemala opened its borders last week after a six-month closure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has hit Central American countries hard.

Some of the migrants said they recognized the risks of catching the coronavirus while on the move, but were prepared to take the risk to escape from high levels of poverty and violence in Honduras.

Monica Toruno, 36, had joined the caravan with her six-year-old son, who uses a wheelchair, and a niece. She said she was forced to leave Honduras because of unemployment and violence.

"I never thought I would subject my son to this, but I lost my job because of the coronavirus, and I'm afraid of staying," Toruno said.

"We are going in search of the American dream, no one will stop us. Either we die here from Covid-19 or we die of hunger. Governments are doing nothing to create jobs," another migrant, 27-year-old Miguel Artiga, told AFP.

The vast majority of the migrants on the move are young men. Few women and children were seen.

According to the government of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, 31,022 Hondurans had been deported back to their home country as of last week, most of them from Mexico and the United States, with the remainder from Guatemala.

Thousands of mostly Honduran migrants bound for the United States surged across the border into Guatemala on Thursday, just weeks before a tense American presidential election where immigration is a key issue.

Thousands of mostly Honduran migrants bound for the United States surged across the border into Guatemala on Thursday, just weeks before a tense American presidential election where immigration is a key issue. Carrying backpacks and plastic bags, the migrants pushed past two lines of Guatemalan soldiers at the Entre Rios border crossing and continued north -- defying the risks and restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic. However late Thursday Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, in an address to the nation, ordered the Hondurans detained and sent back to their home country. However he urged them to "please return" voluntarily to their country. Guatemalan Migration Institute officials said some 3,000 people had crossed the border without submitting to a Covid-19 test, required for foreigners entering the country. Many were not wearing masks to protect against the spread of infection. Giammattei said that "a massive group of Hondurans violently broke in" at the border town of Corinto, in Izabal province. "Amid the current health emergency, not only did they fail to respect measures to enter the country but also health measures established to protect our citizens," he said. The priority for the Honduran migrants however was getting to the United States, where they would somehow seek refuge. "We're not thinking about the pandemic, it's the last thing on our minds," 20-year-old Jefrey Amaya told AFP, part of a group of young people from El Negrito, in Honduras' Yoro department. Amaya said he had joined the caravan after seeing a message on social media. Soldiers handed out water to passing migrants, some of whom applauded the troops for allowing them to pass. Dozens of migrants hitched a ride on the back of a large flatbed truck as they headed toward Mexico. Just a few miles into Guatemala a Honduran migrant died when he fell from a moving truck. - Open border - In recent years, thousands of Central American migrants traveling in large groups have crossed into Mexico, with the aim of reaching the US border. The caravan is headed north just a month before the US presidential election, in which President Donald Trump -- whose hard line against migrants is a central plank of his policy platform -- is seeking a second term. Trump has threatened Mexico with steep US tariffs if it does not do more to stop a surge of undocumented migrants, and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has since deployed some 26,000 troops to the country's borders in response. Trump's administration on Thursday announced the US will admit a record low of 15,000 refugees in the coming year. His Democratic rival in the November 3 election, Joe Biden, has pledged to raise the refugee cap to 125,000, saying that welcoming the persecuted is in line with US values. The latest migrant caravan set off on Wednesday night from Honduras' second city San Pedro Sula. Honduran Red Cross officials said 1,200 people left in a first group, joined a few hours later by around 2,000 more, walking north to the Guatemalan border. - Virus risk - Guatemala opened its borders last week after a six-month closure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has hit Central American countries hard. Some of the migrants said they recognized the risks of catching the coronavirus while on the move, but were prepared to take the risk to escape from high levels of poverty and violence in Honduras. Monica Toruno, 36, had joined the caravan with her six-year-old son, who uses a wheelchair, and a niece. She said she was forced to leave Honduras because of unemployment and violence. "I never thought I would subject my son to this, but I lost my job because of the coronavirus, and I'm afraid of staying," Toruno said. "We are going in search of the American dream, no one will stop us. Either we die here from Covid-19 or we die of hunger. Governments are doing nothing to create jobs," another migrant, 27-year-old Miguel Artiga, told AFP. The vast majority of the migrants on the move are young men. Few women and children were seen. According to the government of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, 31,022 Hondurans had been deported back to their home country as of last week, most of them from Mexico and the United States, with the remainder from Guatemala.

Thousands of US-bound migrants surge into Guatemala

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday.&nbsp;

El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days.&nbsp;

Carolina Recinos, a top cabinet official, said that one person is reported missing.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amphan-toll-rises-to-85-in-bengal-protests-over-electricity-water-supply-300535">Amphan toll rises to 85 in Bengal; protests over electricity, water supply</a> 
 
The tropical storm, which weakened and now moved into Guatemala, caused massive floods and power failures.&nbsp;

In the capital, San Salvador, 50 homes were damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds, while 23 vehicles fell into a sinkhole, Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-bertha-makes-landfall-along-southeast-us-coast-301398">Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall along Southeast US coast</a>

"We are experiencing an unprecedented situation: one top-level emergency on top of another serious one," Muyshondt said, referring to coronavirus pandemic causing trouble before storm Amanda.&nbsp;

In some flooded regions, military men helped emergency personnel to carry out the rescue operation.&nbsp;

"We lost everything, we've been left with nowhere to live," said Isidro Gomez, a resident of San Salvador said, reported AFP, after his home was destroyed by an overflowed river.&nbsp;

Mariano Ramos, another victim of the same city, said that in morning residents of his neighbourhood faced an avalanche of mud and water. Officials said an elderly man was killed in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

El Salvador's environment ministry warned people of the "high probability" of multiple landslides of rocks and debris that could damage buildings and lead to injury or loss of lives.&nbsp;

In neighbouring Guatemala, officials informed about the road blockages because of at least five landslides and some flooding was reported.

However, no evacuations is underway as of now.&nbsp;

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday. El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days.

At least 10 people died as tropical storm Amanda hit El Salvador and Guatemala on Sunday. El Salvador witnessed all the fatalities and its President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency for 15 days. Carolina Recinos, a top cabinet official, said that one person is reported missing. Also read | Amphan toll rises to 85 in Bengal; protests over electricity, water supply The tropical storm, which weakened and now moved into Guatemala, caused massive floods and power failures. In the capital, San Salvador, 50 homes were damaged due to heavy rains and strong winds, while 23 vehicles fell into a sinkhole, Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt said. Also read | Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall along Southeast US coast "We are experiencing an unprecedented situation: one top-level emergency on top of another serious one," Muyshondt said, referring to coronavirus pandemic causing trouble before storm Amanda. In some flooded regions, military men helped emergency personnel to carry out the rescue operation. "We lost everything, we've been left with nowhere to live," said Isidro Gomez, a resident of San Salvador said, reported AFP, after his home was destroyed by an overflowed river. Mariano Ramos, another victim of the same city, said that in morning residents of his neighbourhood faced an avalanche of mud and water. Officials said an elderly man was killed in the neighbourhood. El Salvador's environment ministry warned people of the "high probability" of multiple landslides of rocks and debris that could damage buildings and lead to injury or loss of lives. In neighbouring Guatemala, officials informed about the road blockages because of at least five landslides and some flooding was reported. However, no evacuations is underway as of now.

At least 10 killed as Tropical Storm Amanda hits El Salvador, Guatemala

Mexican troops used tear gas to detain 800 migrants who surged into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-vatican-must-probe-cover-up-of-child-sexual-abuse-275752">Mexico</a> Thursday after wading across a river on the country's southern border with Guatemala.&nbsp;

National Guard forces in the southern state of Chiapas prevented them from continuing their journey by forming a human fence along a road, as panic erupted among some of the migrants.&nbsp;

The Central Americans, who were trekking on foot towards the city of Ciudad Hidalgo, were intercepted by troops who used tear gas and scuffled with the migrants to halt their progress, an AFP journalist at the scene reported.&nbsp;

<img alt="Central American migrants" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dc9f225-d02d-47be-b584-04be81ed1234" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2876%29_0.jpg" />

The Interior Ministry later said 800 migrants of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-investment-urged-to-stem-flow-of-central-american-migrants-245236">Central American</a> origin were "rescued" after crossing the border at the Suchiate River.

Following their detention, the migrants were taken to buses run by the National Migration Institute, the agency that will determine their official immigration status and manage deportations.

Officials said that they were still looking for another 200 migrants who managed to avoid detention.&nbsp;

Thousands of Central Americans have crossed Mexico toward the United States in caravans in recent years, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The so-called "2020 Caravan" left Honduras on January 14, gathering an estimated 3,500 people as it made its way across Guatemala. The bulk of the caravan crossed into Mexico at the weekend.

Mexican National Guard troops also fired tear gas on Monday to force back migrants attempting to enter the country, leading to scenes of chaos as huge crowds of people flailed across the Suchiate River.&nbsp;

<img alt="Central America migrants" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4126b09d-00b2-458c-b5a8-ed76ccb6eccb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2875%29.jpg" />

About 500 were able to enter the country illegally, though more than 400 of them were later arrested at a roadblock.&nbsp;

The Interior Ministry said it deported 460 Hondurans via official planes and buses following Monday's clashes.

"We want to speak with President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mexico-is-bleeding-can-its-new-president-stop-the-violence-193818">Lopez Obrador</a> directly," read one long cloth banner held up as the migrants walked Thursday.

Others waved flags from their countries, as well as a giant US banner.

"We are coming peacefully," some of the migrants shouted.&nbsp;

Others distributed apparently unofficial forms requesting refuge in Mexico.

Mexico's migration authority said the country was ready to welcome foreigners as long as they entered the country in a manner that was "lawful, safe and orderly."

Officials have begun implementing a government plan to offer jobs and shelter to migrants to encourage them to stay in southern Mexico.

However, most want to be allowed to move freely through Mexico to the US border, citing their intention to seek asylum in the United States to escape poverty and gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Mexican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-accuses-bolivia-of-intimidating-its-diplomats-in-la-paz-269871">Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador</a>, an anti-establishment leftist who came to office vowing to protect migrants' rights, said 4,000 jobs were available to migrants from the new caravan if they remain in southern Mexico.

Mexico faces pressure to keep migrants from crossing its northern border from US President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs if the country did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans.&nbsp;

Lopez Obrador deployed some 26,000 troops to the country's borders in response.&nbsp;

Mexican troops used tear gas to detain 800 migrants who surged into Mexico Thursday after wading across a river on the country's southern border with Guatemala. National Guard forces in the southern state of Chiapas prevented them from continuing their journey by forming a human fence along a road, as panic erupted among some of the migrants.

Mexican troops used tear gas to detain 800 migrants who surged into Mexico Thursday after wading across a river on the country's southern border with Guatemala. National Guard forces in the southern state of Chiapas prevented them from continuing their journey by forming a human fence along a road, as panic erupted among some of the migrants. The Central Americans, who were trekking on foot towards the city of Ciudad Hidalgo, were intercepted by troops who used tear gas and scuffled with the migrants to halt their progress, an AFP journalist at the scene reported. The Interior Ministry later said 800 migrants of Central American origin were "rescued" after crossing the border at the Suchiate River. Following their detention, the migrants were taken to buses run by the National Migration Institute, the agency that will determine their official immigration status and manage deportations. Officials said that they were still looking for another 200 migrants who managed to avoid detention. Thousands of Central Americans have crossed Mexico toward the United States in caravans in recent years, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The so-called "2020 Caravan" left Honduras on January 14, gathering an estimated 3,500 people as it made its way across Guatemala. The bulk of the caravan crossed into Mexico at the weekend. Mexican National Guard troops also fired tear gas on Monday to force back migrants attempting to enter the country, leading to scenes of chaos as huge crowds of people flailed across the Suchiate River. About 500 were able to enter the country illegally, though more than 400 of them were later arrested at a roadblock. The Interior Ministry said it deported 460 Hondurans via official planes and buses following Monday's clashes. "We want to speak with President Lopez Obrador directly," read one long cloth banner held up as the migrants walked Thursday. Others waved flags from their countries, as well as a giant US banner. "We are coming peacefully," some of the migrants shouted. Others distributed apparently unofficial forms requesting refuge in Mexico. Mexico's migration authority said the country was ready to welcome foreigners as long as they entered the country in a manner that was "lawful, safe and orderly." Officials have begun implementing a government plan to offer jobs and shelter to migrants to encourage them to stay in southern Mexico. However, most want to be allowed to move freely through Mexico to the US border, citing their intention to seek asylum in the United States to escape poverty and gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, an anti-establishment leftist who came to office vowing to protect migrants' rights, said 4,000 jobs were available to migrants from the new caravan if they remain in southern Mexico. Mexico faces pressure to keep migrants from crossing its northern border from US President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs if the country did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans. Lopez Obrador deployed some 26,000 troops to the country's borders in response.

Mexico detains 800 Central American migrants headed to United States

Immigration officials and National Guard officers on January 20 rounded up dozens of migrants who crossed the border from Guatemala to Mexico, in a new challenge for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's efforts to contain migration at the bidding of the United States. The mostly Honduran migrants appeared to grow impatient on the bridge over the Suchiate River that connects the two countries after some were denied permission to cross by assembled Mexican migration officials.

Migrants scuffle with Mexican troops while trying to cross river into Mexico

India, the world's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-sugar-output-seen-falling-global-deficit-rises-fcstone-259213">sugar</a> producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday.

Sugar mills in India have done deals to export 2 million tonnes in the new season that began on October&nbsp;1, 2019, raising hopes that the country would sell at least 5 million tonnes on the world market in the 2019/20 season, nearly a third higher than the previous year.

"Looking at the current trend, I can tell you with a lot of confidence that we'll be able to export at least 5 million tonnes this year," said a New Delhi-based dealer from the Indian unit of a global trading firm.

At 5 million tonnes, Indian exports would surpass their previous peak of 4.96 million tonnes shipped in 2007/08 according to trade and industry data. This was spurred by a rally in international prices, a weak Indian rupee and a clutch of government subsidies which made exports lucrative.

"Compared to last year, exports got the momentum this year from the start of the season due to an improvement in sugar prices," said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of MEIR Commodities India.

A sharp increase in exports from India, also the world's biggest sugar consumer, could weigh on benchmark prices in New York and London and trim the market share of rivals Brazil, Thailand and Australia, the world’s top sugar suppliers.

Higher sugar shipments from India could intensify a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wto-authorises-chinese-tariffs-on-36-billion-in-us-goods-in-anti-dumping-tiff-259385">WTO</a>).

Brazil has already said India's subsidies for sugar exports were not in line with WTO rules and would hurt free competition in the global market. Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala have questioned the subsidies at the WTO.

India, struggling with surplus sugar supplies, has approved a subsidy of 10,448 rupees ($145.58) a tonne for exports in the 2019/20 season a move that encouraged mills to clinch overseas sales deals early this year.

Traders have contracted to export raw sugar at an average $300 a tonne and white sugar $330 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, three dealers directly involved in the deals said. They did not wish to be identified in line with their organisations' policies.

In contrast to the 2 million tonnes of exports contracted so far this year, in the first three of the 2018/19 season, Indian mills were only able to sell about 850,000 tonnes of sugar.

India, the world's biggest sugar producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday.

India, the world's biggest sugar producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday. Sugar mills in India have done deals to export 2 million tonnes in the new season that began on October 1, 2019, raising hopes that the country would sell at least 5 million tonnes on the world market in the 2019/20 season, nearly a third higher than the previous year. "Looking at the current trend, I can tell you with a lot of confidence that we'll be able to export at least 5 million tonnes this year," said a New Delhi-based dealer from the Indian unit of a global trading firm. At 5 million tonnes, Indian exports would surpass their previous peak of 4.96 million tonnes shipped in 2007/08 according to trade and industry data. This was spurred by a rally in international prices, a weak Indian rupee and a clutch of government subsidies which made exports lucrative. "Compared to last year, exports got the momentum this year from the start of the season due to an improvement in sugar prices," said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of MEIR Commodities India. A sharp increase in exports from India, also the world's biggest sugar consumer, could weigh on benchmark prices in New York and London and trim the market share of rivals Brazil, Thailand and Australia, the world’s top sugar suppliers. Higher sugar shipments from India could intensify a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Brazil has already said India's subsidies for sugar exports were not in line with WTO rules and would hurt free competition in the global market. Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala have questioned the subsidies at the WTO. India, struggling with surplus sugar supplies, has approved a subsidy of 10,448 rupees ($145.58) a tonne for exports in the 2019/20 season a move that encouraged mills to clinch overseas sales deals early this year. Traders have contracted to export raw sugar at an average $300 a tonne and white sugar $330 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, three dealers directly involved in the deals said. They did not wish to be identified in line with their organisations' policies. In contrast to the 2 million tonnes of exports contracted so far this year, in the first three of the 2018/19 season, Indian mills were only able to sell about 850,000 tonnes of sugar.

Indian sugar exports poised to hit record 5 million tonnes this year

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement.

In a joint statement issued Saturday, the governments said they would have another round of meetings next week "to ensure that our enhanced cooperation conforms to each nations’ legal requirements while also advancing our mutual objectives."

This week in Tegucigalpa, officials also discussed how to "enhance collaboration in the areas of law enforcement and information-sharing, bolster regional border security, and strengthen migration protections."

Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has waged a campaign in recent months to seal immigration deals with the Northern Triangle countries of Central America - Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - from where many immigrants arriving at the US southern border set out.

Guatemala has signed a so-called "safe third country" deal with the United States that requires asylum seekers who travel through Guatemala on the way to the US-Mexico border to ask for refuge in Guatemala first, instead of in the United States.

The Guatemalan Congress, however, has not ratified the deal.

McAleenan announced a deal with El Salvador on Friday to strengthen the Central American country’s capacity to receive asylum seekers, though he did not detail what the pact would entail.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said this week "we have to construct an agreement across the region, conversing with Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States."

The joint statement said the meetings "demonstrate the commitment of both governments to work together as trusted allies to address shared regional challenges. They recognize Honduras’ progress in the areas of security and migration."

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement.

The United States and Honduras are discussing how to increase temporary legal employment opportunities for Hondurans in the United States, as the governments work to hammer out details of an immigration agreement. In a joint statement issued Saturday, the governments said they would have another round of meetings next week "to ensure that our enhanced cooperation conforms to each nations’ legal requirements while also advancing our mutual objectives." This week in Tegucigalpa, officials also discussed how to "enhance collaboration in the areas of law enforcement and information-sharing, bolster regional border security, and strengthen migration protections." Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has waged a campaign in recent months to seal immigration deals with the Northern Triangle countries of Central America - Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - from where many immigrants arriving at the US southern border set out. Guatemala has signed a so-called "safe third country" deal with the United States that requires asylum seekers who travel through Guatemala on the way to the US-Mexico border to ask for refuge in Guatemala first, instead of in the United States. The Guatemalan Congress, however, has not ratified the deal. McAleenan announced a deal with El Salvador on Friday to strengthen the Central American country’s capacity to receive asylum seekers, though he did not detail what the pact would entail. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said this week "we have to construct an agreement across the region, conversing with Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States." The joint statement said the meetings "demonstrate the commitment of both governments to work together as trusted allies to address shared regional challenges. They recognize Honduras’ progress in the areas of security and migration."

United States, Honduras discuss temporary work opportunities for Hondurans

Honduras is not considering a so-called safe third country designation for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, foreign minister Lisandro Rosales said late on Monday, denying reports of a deal agreed with US officials.

The United States has persuaded neighbouring Guatemala to become a safe third country that would accept US-bound asylum seekers, part of a larger effort by President Donald Trump to reduce the flow of migrants.

The deal has yet to be ratified by Guatemala's government.

A safe third country designation would require asylum seekers to apply for protection in any legally-designated "safe" country they pass through before reaching the United States.

US authorities have said they were working with Honduras on a similar deal, but Rosales said no such agreement is in the works.

"Contrary to some publications, the talks with the United States do not contemplate that Honduras become a safe third country," the minister wrote in a post on Twitter.

Rosales added that the talks are instead focused on regional security, promoting investment and orderly migration.

Honduras is not considering a so-called safe third country designation for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, foreign minister Lisandro Rosales said late on Monday, denying reports of a deal agreed with US officials.

Honduras is not considering a so-called safe third country designation for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, foreign minister Lisandro Rosales said late on Monday, denying reports of a deal agreed with US officials. The United States has persuaded neighbouring Guatemala to become a safe third country that would accept US-bound asylum seekers, part of a larger effort by President Donald Trump to reduce the flow of migrants. The deal has yet to be ratified by Guatemala's government. A safe third country designation would require asylum seekers to apply for protection in any legally-designated "safe" country they pass through before reaching the United States. US authorities have said they were working with Honduras on a similar deal, but Rosales said no such agreement is in the works. "Contrary to some publications, the talks with the United States do not contemplate that Honduras become a safe third country," the minister wrote in a post on Twitter. Rosales added that the talks are instead focused on regional security, promoting investment and orderly migration.

Not considering safe third country migration deal with US: Honduras

The United States on Monday congratulated Alejandro Giammattei on winning Guatemala's presidential election and pledged to work with him on halting migration from the Central American country.

Giammattei, a conservative, defeated former first lady Sandra Torres in a run-off Sunday, garnering more than 58 per cent of the vote.

"The United States shares a deep, historic relationship with Guatemala and looks forward to continuing our close partnership on a number of areas of mutual national interest, including addressing the underlying conditions driving irregular migration," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.

Giammattei will take over in January from corruption-tainted President Jimmy Morales, who congratulated his successor after the vote and promised a "transparent and orderly" transition.&nbsp;

He will be under immense pressure from the US to implement a controversial migration pact that would allow Washington to send most Honduran and Salvadoran asylum seekers who passed through Guatemala back to the poor, crime-ridden country.

Giammattei has avoided taking a strong position on the US deal, which has been the subject of criticism in Guatemala.

A poll commissioned by the Prensa Libre newspaper found that 82 per cent of those surveyed opposed it.

But US President Donald Trump had threatened Guatemala with a travel ban, tariffs and a tax on remittances if it did not yield.

More than 250,000 Guatemalans were detained between October 2018 and July this year for trying to enter the US illegally, the American embassy said.

Almost 60 per cent of Guatemala's 17.7 million citizens live in poverty, and the country has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

A 63-year-old doctor, Giammattei has vowed to fight criminals and drug traffickers with "testosterone" and restore the death penalty.

The United States on Monday congratulated Alejandro Giammattei on winning Guatemala's presidential election and pledged to work with him on halting migration from the Central American country.

The United States on Monday congratulated Alejandro Giammattei on winning Guatemala's presidential election and pledged to work with him on halting migration from the Central American country. Giammattei, a conservative, defeated former first lady Sandra Torres in a run-off Sunday, garnering more than 58 per cent of the vote. "The United States shares a deep, historic relationship with Guatemala and looks forward to continuing our close partnership on a number of areas of mutual national interest, including addressing the underlying conditions driving irregular migration," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. Giammattei will take over in January from corruption-tainted President Jimmy Morales, who congratulated his successor after the vote and promised a "transparent and orderly" transition. He will be under immense pressure from the US to implement a controversial migration pact that would allow Washington to send most Honduran and Salvadoran asylum seekers who passed through Guatemala back to the poor, crime-ridden country. Giammattei has avoided taking a strong position on the US deal, which has been the subject of criticism in Guatemala. A poll commissioned by the Prensa Libre newspaper found that 82 per cent of those surveyed opposed it. But US President Donald Trump had threatened Guatemala with a travel ban, tariffs and a tax on remittances if it did not yield. More than 250,000 Guatemalans were detained between October 2018 and July this year for trying to enter the US illegally, the American embassy said. Almost 60 per cent of Guatemala's 17.7 million citizens live in poverty, and the country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. A 63-year-old doctor, Giammattei has vowed to fight criminals and drug traffickers with "testosterone" and restore the death penalty.

US looks to work with new Guatemala president Alejandro Giammattei on migration

Conservative Alejandro Giammattei swept aside his centre-left rival in Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday and now inherits an unpopular migration deal agreed under duress with the Trump administration that could severely test his country.

With preliminary results from over 95% of the polling stations counted, the electoral tribunal declared Giammattei the winner with almost 59% of the vote, ahead of his centre-left rival, former first lady Sandra Torres, back on 41%.

"It will be an immense honour to be president of this country that I love so much," Giammattei said to a crowd of cheering supporters at a news conference in Guatemala City. "We will rebuild Guatemala. I have no words to say how grateful I am."

The next president takes office in January. By then Guatemala may be bogged down in the accord reached at the behest of US President Donald Trump which aims to turn the troubled Central American country into a buffer zone to stem migration.

Yielding to the threat of a raft of economic sanctions from Trump, outgoing Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales agreed to make his country a so-called safe third country for migrants, despite its high levels of poverty and violence.

Giammattei, a trained surgeon and veteran public sector bureaucrat who had failed in three previous bids to secure the presidency, has called the accord "bad news," says Guatemala is not ready to cope with a potential-jump in asylum-seekers.

Many Guatemalans agree with him.

"I think it's the most ridiculous thing this president could have done, because if Guatemala is mired in poverty, how is it going to take in migrants if we don't have anything to eat ourselves?" said Mercedes Escoto, 65, a retired teacher and Giammattei supporter as she voted in Guatemala City.

A poll published this week by Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre showed more than eight out of 10 respondents rejected the idea of the country accepting foreign migrants seeking asylum.

It is unclear how much Giammattei will be able to do to change the deal, which would require Hondurans and Salvadorans to apply for asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States. It also foresees granting US visas to some Guatemalan workers.

Risa Grais-Targow, Latin America director at consultancy Eurasia Group, said while the accord struck with Trump risks a popular backlash, not honouring it could expose Guatemala to US taxes on remittances or tariffs on its goods.

"The next president faces a lose-lose situation when it comes to managing the deal with the United States," she said. "That is the biggest challenge the incoming president faces."

Giammattei will also take on a country struggling with a 60% poverty rate, plus widespread crime and unemployment, which have led hundreds of thousands of people to migrate north.

The 63-year-old has promised to erect an "investment wall" on the border between Guatemala and Mexico to curb migration, and also proposed bringing back the death penalty.

Many Guatemalans are fed up with the political class after investigations by the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a UN-backed anti-corruption body, led to the arrest of then-President Otto Perez in 2015, then threatened to unseat his successor Morales, a former TV comedian.

Morales narrowly escaped impeachment, and the CICIG also went after Torres for suspected campaign finance irregularities. As a candidate, she was immune from prosecution.

Both candidates vowed to fight corruption - albeit without "foreign interference," an apparent nod to the CICIG.

Giammattei pledged to run an honest government as he voted.

"We'll battle corruption from the very first day," he said.

Morales, who ordered the termination of the CICIG's mandate as of September, was barred by law from standing again.

Conservative Alejandro Giammattei swept aside his centre-left rival in Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday and now inherits an unpopular migration deal agreed under duress with the Trump administration that could severely test his country.

Conservative Alejandro Giammattei swept aside his centre-left rival in Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday and now inherits an unpopular migration deal agreed under duress with the Trump administration that could severely test his country. With preliminary results from over 95% of the polling stations counted, the electoral tribunal declared Giammattei the winner with almost 59% of the vote, ahead of his centre-left rival, former first lady Sandra Torres, back on 41%. "It will be an immense honour to be president of this country that I love so much," Giammattei said to a crowd of cheering supporters at a news conference in Guatemala City. "We will rebuild Guatemala. I have no words to say how grateful I am." The next president takes office in January. By then Guatemala may be bogged down in the accord reached at the behest of US President Donald Trump which aims to turn the troubled Central American country into a buffer zone to stem migration. Yielding to the threat of a raft of economic sanctions from Trump, outgoing Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales agreed to make his country a so-called safe third country for migrants, despite its high levels of poverty and violence. Giammattei, a trained surgeon and veteran public sector bureaucrat who had failed in three previous bids to secure the presidency, has called the accord "bad news," says Guatemala is not ready to cope with a potential-jump in asylum-seekers. Many Guatemalans agree with him. "I think it's the most ridiculous thing this president could have done, because if Guatemala is mired in poverty, how is it going to take in migrants if we don't have anything to eat ourselves?" said Mercedes Escoto, 65, a retired teacher and Giammattei supporter as she voted in Guatemala City. A poll published this week by Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre showed more than eight out of 10 respondents rejected the idea of the country accepting foreign migrants seeking asylum. It is unclear how much Giammattei will be able to do to change the deal, which would require Hondurans and Salvadorans to apply for asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States. It also foresees granting US visas to some Guatemalan workers. Risa Grais-Targow, Latin America director at consultancy Eurasia Group, said while the accord struck with Trump risks a popular backlash, not honouring it could expose Guatemala to US taxes on remittances or tariffs on its goods. "The next president faces a lose-lose situation when it comes to managing the deal with the United States," she said. "That is the biggest challenge the incoming president faces." Giammattei will also take on a country struggling with a 60% poverty rate, plus widespread crime and unemployment, which have led hundreds of thousands of people to migrate north. The 63-year-old has promised to erect an "investment wall" on the border between Guatemala and Mexico to curb migration, and also proposed bringing back the death penalty. Many Guatemalans are fed up with the political class after investigations by the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a UN-backed anti-corruption body, led to the arrest of then-President Otto Perez in 2015, then threatened to unseat his successor Morales, a former TV comedian. Morales narrowly escaped impeachment, and the CICIG also went after Torres for suspected campaign finance irregularities. As a candidate, she was immune from prosecution. Both candidates vowed to fight corruption - albeit without "foreign interference," an apparent nod to the CICIG. Giammattei pledged to run an honest government as he voted. "We'll battle corruption from the very first day," he said. Morales, who ordered the termination of the CICIG's mandate as of September, was barred by law from standing again.

Guatemala conservative Alejandro Giammattei romps to landslide win, faces big migration test

Guatemalans on Sunday elect a new president who will face a major challenge after the country agreed with Washington to act as a buffer against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemalan-presidential-candidates-question-us-migration-deal-238957">illegal immigration under pressure from US President Donald Trump.</a>

Threatened with economic sanctions if it said no, the outgoing government signed an agreement in July to make Guatemala a so-called safe third country for migrants despite the endemic poverty and violence plaguing the Central American nation.

Voters must choose between conservative Alejandro Giammattei and his centre-left rival, former first lady Sandra Torres. Both veteran political campaigners have criticized the deal, but will probably be unable to do much to stop it.

Risa Grais-Targow, Latin America director at consultancy Eurasia Group, said while the agreement is facing a backlash in Guatemala, not honouring it would expose the country to the risk of taxes on remittances or tariffs on its goods.

"The next president faces a lose-lose situation when it comes to managing the deal with the United States," she said. "That is the biggest challenge the incoming president faces."

A CID-Gallup opinion poll of 1,216 voters conducted between July 29 and Aug. 5 gave Giammattei the advantage going into the run-off vote, with 39.5 per cent support, versus 32.4 per cent for Torres. The poll had a margin of error of 2.8 points.

Whoever takes office in January will inherit a country with a 60&nbsp;per cent poverty rate, widespread crime, and unemployment, which have led hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans to migrate north.

Between them, the two candidates have failed to win the presidency five times. Polling suggests that although Torres came out on top in a first found of voting in June, her unpopularity may prove her undoing.

"I wasn't going to vote, but ... seeing the circumstances I better vote so that Sandra doesn't win," said Ricardo Son, an 84-year-old retiree in Guatemala City.

Many Guatemalans are fed up with the political class after corruption scandals led to the arrest of former President Otto Perez in 2015 and then threatened to unseat his successor, incumbent President Jimmy Morales, a former TV comedian.

Both candidates have vowed to fight corruption without "foreign interference," an apparent allusion to the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), the United Nations mission that brought down Perez and went after Morales.

Morales, who terminated the commission's mandate effective as of September, is barred by law from standing again. But his legacy could prove lasting if the migration deal he authorized becomes a defining feature of the next administration.

The accord will require migrants from Honduras and El Salvador to seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States. Critics question whether Guatemala has the resources to handle a potential surge in asylum applications.

Giammattei, a surgeon, has proposed the death penalty for some criminals and promised to erect an 'investment wall' on the border between Guatemala and Mexico to curb migration.

Torres wants to put troops on the streets to fight gangs, and use welfare schemes to alleviate poverty, a strategy she supported as the first lady between 2008 and 2011.

Guatemalans on Sunday elect a new president who will face a major challenge after the country agreed with Washington to act as a buffer against illegal immigration under pressure from US President Donald Trump.

Guatemalans on Sunday elect a new president who will face a major challenge after the country agreed with Washington to act as a buffer against illegal immigration under pressure from US President Donald Trump. Threatened with economic sanctions if it said no, the outgoing government signed an agreement in July to make Guatemala a so-called safe third country for migrants despite the endemic poverty and violence plaguing the Central American nation. Voters must choose between conservative Alejandro Giammattei and his centre-left rival, former first lady Sandra Torres. Both veteran political campaigners have criticized the deal, but will probably be unable to do much to stop it. Risa Grais-Targow, Latin America director at consultancy Eurasia Group, said while the agreement is facing a backlash in Guatemala, not honouring it would expose the country to the risk of taxes on remittances or tariffs on its goods. "The next president faces a lose-lose situation when it comes to managing the deal with the United States," she said. "That is the biggest challenge the incoming president faces." A CID-Gallup opinion poll of 1,216 voters conducted between July 29 and Aug. 5 gave Giammattei the advantage going into the run-off vote, with 39.5 per cent support, versus 32.4 per cent for Torres. The poll had a margin of error of 2.8 points. Whoever takes office in January will inherit a country with a 60 per cent poverty rate, widespread crime, and unemployment, which have led hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans to migrate north. Between them, the two candidates have failed to win the presidency five times. Polling suggests that although Torres came out on top in a first found of voting in June, her unpopularity may prove her undoing. "I wasn't going to vote, but ... seeing the circumstances I better vote so that Sandra doesn't win," said Ricardo Son, an 84-year-old retiree in Guatemala City. Many Guatemalans are fed up with the political class after corruption scandals led to the arrest of former President Otto Perez in 2015 and then threatened to unseat his successor, incumbent President Jimmy Morales, a former TV comedian. Both candidates have vowed to fight corruption without "foreign interference," an apparent allusion to the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), the United Nations mission that brought down Perez and went after Morales. Morales, who terminated the commission's mandate effective as of September, is barred by law from standing again. But his legacy could prove lasting if the migration deal he authorized becomes a defining feature of the next administration. The accord will require migrants from Honduras and El Salvador to seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States. Critics question whether Guatemala has the resources to handle a potential surge in asylum applications. Giammattei, a surgeon, has proposed the death penalty for some criminals and promised to erect an 'investment wall' on the border between Guatemala and Mexico to curb migration. Torres wants to put troops on the streets to fight gangs, and use welfare schemes to alleviate poverty, a strategy she supported as the first lady between 2008 and 2011.

Guatemala elects a new president to inherit Donald Trump migration bind

Guatemala`s refugee agency meets only sporadically and operates on a bare-bones basis, adding to doubts about how the crime-wracked, impoverished Central American country will cope with a surge in asylum-seekers under a deal signed with Washington.

Under Friday`s accord, Guatemala becomes a so-called "safe third country," turning it into a buffer zone for migrants trying to reach the United States, and potentially lifting applications for asylum in Guatemala from a few hundred a years to tens of thousands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">US President Donald Trump</a> has pushed Mexico and Guatemala to sign such agreements to make asylum-seekers passing through their territory solicit haven in those countries, and not in the United States.

Mexico has so far refused, but under pressure from Trump it has accepted taking in Central American migrants while their applications for asylum in the United States are processed by US courts.&nbsp;

Guatemala only agreed after Trump threatened to impose what <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemalan-presidential-candidates-question-us-migration-deal-238957">President Jimmy Morales</a> described on Facebook as "drastic" economic sanctions against the country, which is heavily dependent on billions of dollars in remittances sent home by Guatemalans in the United States.&nbsp;

Asylum applicants, migration experts and critics of the deal say Guatemala, which itself sends tens of thousands of migrants to the United States each year, has the scant capacity to process asylum-seekers, never mind keep them safe.

"Asylum infrastructure in Guatemala and other parts of the region is still under development," said William Spindler, senior external engagement coordinator for Latin America at the United Nations` refugee agency UNHCR.

"So the number of individual asylum-seekers who can be received and processed with adequate protection guarantees is still limited."

Decisions about whether to grant asylum fall to Guatemala`s National Commission for Refugees (CONARE), an agency represented by officials from the ministries of foreign relations, interior, labour and migration who meet periodically to adjudicate claims.

The CONARE "is not an office as such, and meets only to analyse, grant and deny shelter," said Alejandra Mena, a spokeswoman for Guatemala`s General Directorate of Migration.

Compared to the United States and neighbouring Mexico, which has received tens of thousands of asylum applicants, the numbers of applicants in Guatemala has been negligible.

As such, CONARE met only twice between 2013 and 2014, according to a 2018 UNHCR document. Meetings since that year have increased after a jump in applications, it said.

Between 2002 and 2014, the document said, CONARE analysed an average of seven cases per year. From 2015, applications began accelerating, and so far in 2019, CONARE has received 226. But none of those has yet been approved, said Mena.&nbsp;

Critics say that backlog could spell trouble for the deal, which was immediately called into question by the two contenders battling to assume Guatemala`s presidency in 2020.

"If you can`t deal with 60 or 100 requests, what will you do when you receive hundreds?," said Mauro Verzeletti, director of a migrant shelter in Guatemala City.

Safe country

Oscar, 47, a public health technician from Honduras who declined to give his last name out of fear of reprisals, said he had been waiting six months for asylum in Guatemala.

He fled the violent Honduran city of San Pedro Sula after officials harassed him for investigating the murders of LGBTQ individuals, including a friend, he said.&nbsp;

In Mexico, he joined a caravan of migrants, but fell ill and could not manage the long daily treks further north toward the US border.&nbsp;

Oscar eventually ended up back in Guatemala, but he told Reuters the risks he faced just across the border with Honduras were almost the same as at home.&nbsp;

"To me, the idea of a `safe country` is a country without corruption, without violence, that gives us work, home and food, but Guatemala has no jobs (even) for Guatemalans," Oscar said.&nbsp;

"It`s not that I`m ungrateful, but Guatemala has the same conditions as Honduras," he added.

People from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador make up the bulk of the migrants caught on the US-Mexican border, and the so-called Northern Triangle countries have some of the highest murder rates in the Americas.

Since January, Oscar has had two interviews at Guatemala`s migration directorate, which granted him a provisional residence permit he must renew every month. Still, migrant shelters only allow three-day stays, and finding work has been tough, he said.

The US-Guatemala agreement faces other challenges.&nbsp;

On July 14, Guatemala`s Constitutional Court ruled that Morales could not sign a safe third country agreement without congressional approval, an obstacle that the two presidential candidates pointed to last weekend.

Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart, who signed the deal in Washington, and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel on Monday denied that Guatemala had reached the agreement under duress.&nbsp;

"We were not coerced, pressured, or forced to sign anything at all," Degenhart said. 
&nbsp;

Guatemala`s refugee agency meets only sporadically and operates on a bare-bones basis, adding to doubts about how the crime-wracked, impoverished Central American country will cope with a surge in asylum-seekers under a deal signed with Washington.

Guatemala`s refugee agency meets only sporadically and operates on a bare-bones basis, adding to doubts about how the crime-wracked, impoverished Central American country will cope with a surge in asylum-seekers under a deal signed with Washington. Under Friday`s accord, Guatemala becomes a so-called "safe third country," turning it into a buffer zone for migrants trying to reach the United States, and potentially lifting applications for asylum in Guatemala from a few hundred a years to tens of thousands. US President Donald Trump has pushed Mexico and Guatemala to sign such agreements to make asylum-seekers passing through their territory solicit haven in those countries, and not in the United States. Mexico has so far refused, but under pressure from Trump it has accepted taking in Central American migrants while their applications for asylum in the United States are processed by US courts. Guatemala only agreed after Trump threatened to impose what President Jimmy Morales described on Facebook as "drastic" economic sanctions against the country, which is heavily dependent on billions of dollars in remittances sent home by Guatemalans in the United States. Asylum applicants, migration experts and critics of the deal say Guatemala, which itself sends tens of thousands of migrants to the United States each year, has the scant capacity to process asylum-seekers, never mind keep them safe. "Asylum infrastructure in Guatemala and other parts of the region is still under development," said William Spindler, senior external engagement coordinator for Latin America at the United Nations` refugee agency UNHCR. "So the number of individual asylum-seekers who can be received and processed with adequate protection guarantees is still limited." Decisions about whether to grant asylum fall to Guatemala`s National Commission for Refugees (CONARE), an agency represented by officials from the ministries of foreign relations, interior, labour and migration who meet periodically to adjudicate claims. The CONARE "is not an office as such, and meets only to analyse, grant and deny shelter," said Alejandra Mena, a spokeswoman for Guatemala`s General Directorate of Migration. Compared to the United States and neighbouring Mexico, which has received tens of thousands of asylum applicants, the numbers of applicants in Guatemala has been negligible. As such, CONARE met only twice between 2013 and 2014, according to a 2018 UNHCR document. Meetings since that year have increased after a jump in applications, it said. Between 2002 and 2014, the document said, CONARE analysed an average of seven cases per year. From 2015, applications began accelerating, and so far in 2019, CONARE has received 226. But none of those has yet been approved, said Mena. Critics say that backlog could spell trouble for the deal, which was immediately called into question by the two contenders battling to assume Guatemala`s presidency in 2020. "If you can`t deal with 60 or 100 requests, what will you do when you receive hundreds?," said Mauro Verzeletti, director of a migrant shelter in Guatemala City. Safe country Oscar, 47, a public health technician from Honduras who declined to give his last name out of fear of reprisals, said he had been waiting six months for asylum in Guatemala. He fled the violent Honduran city of San Pedro Sula after officials harassed him for investigating the murders of LGBTQ individuals, including a friend, he said. In Mexico, he joined a caravan of migrants, but fell ill and could not manage the long daily treks further north toward the US border. Oscar eventually ended up back in Guatemala, but he told Reuters the risks he faced just across the border with Honduras were almost the same as at home. "To me, the idea of a `safe country` is a country without corruption, without violence, that gives us work, home and food, but Guatemala has no jobs (even) for Guatemalans," Oscar said. "It`s not that I`m ungrateful, but Guatemala has the same conditions as Honduras," he added. People from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador make up the bulk of the migrants caught on the US-Mexican border, and the so-called Northern Triangle countries have some of the highest murder rates in the Americas. Since January, Oscar has had two interviews at Guatemala`s migration directorate, which granted him a provisional residence permit he must renew every month. Still, migrant shelters only allow three-day stays, and finding work has been tough, he said. The US-Guatemala agreement faces other challenges. On July 14, Guatemala`s Constitutional Court ruled that Morales could not sign a safe third country agreement without congressional approval, an obstacle that the two presidential candidates pointed to last weekend. Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart, who signed the deal in Washington, and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel on Monday denied that Guatemala had reached the agreement under duress. "We were not coerced, pressured, or forced to sign anything at all," Degenhart said.

Guatemala's shortcomings raise doubts about US migration deal

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-announces-controversial-asylum-deal-with-guatemala-238748">US President Donald Trump </a>on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador.

US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such.

Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess.

That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales</a> to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington.

"There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June.

Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered.

Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala."

"This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN.

Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations.

Guatemala's next president will take office in January. 
&nbsp;

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America. US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador. US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such. Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess. That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington. "There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June. Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered. Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala." "This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN. Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations. Guatemala's next president will take office in January.

Guatemalan presidential candidates question US migration deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-use-disputed-funds-of-25-billion-for-border-wall-238745">President Donald Trump</a> announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">agreement has been reached with Guatemala</a>, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead.

But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known.

Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region.

"This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border.

The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above."

Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States.

Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call.

If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added.

The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said.

US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America.

'Not' safe

Serious questions about the pact remained.

It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests.

McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself.

A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes.

"Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts.

The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said.

McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection.

"Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added.&nbsp;

"We expect that to continue."

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border. The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead. But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known. Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region. "This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border. The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above." Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States. Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call. If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added. The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said. US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America. 'Not' safe Serious questions about the pact remained. It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests. McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself. A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes. "Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts. The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said. McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection. "Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added. "We expect that to continue."

US President Donald Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

The $41.9 million had been destined for Guatemala and Honduras, two of the three Central American countries at the centre of a migration crisis in which thousands of people have fled poverty, violence and corruption and attempted to cross the southern US border.

The congressional notification from the US Agency for International Development said the money will instead be used for salaries, travel, communications equipment, technical assistance and training for the management of a government budget and other needs for the Venezuelan opposition.

The memorandum, dated July 11, says the funds are necessary because of "a significant, exigent event in the US national interest, specifically the rapidly evolving crisis in Venezuela."

The memo and its contents were first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Spokespeople for the State Department, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, arguing Venezuela`s President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate.&nbsp;

Maduro, meanwhile, has called Guaido a US-backed puppet and has so far retained his grip on the levers of government.

The State Department announced in June it was slashing hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras after Trump said the three countries were not doing enough to stem migration.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to divert more than $40 million in humanitarian aid for Central America to support the US-backed opposition in Venezuela, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters on Tuesday. The $41.9 million had been destined for Guatemala and Honduras, two of the three Central American countries at the centre of a migration crisis in which thousands of people have fled poverty, violence and corruption and attempted to cross the southern US border. The congressional notification from the US Agency for International Development said the money will instead be used for salaries, travel, communications equipment, technical assistance and training for the management of a government budget and other needs for the Venezuelan opposition. The memorandum, dated July 11, says the funds are necessary because of "a significant, exigent event in the US national interest, specifically the rapidly evolving crisis in Venezuela." The memo and its contents were first reported by the Los Angeles Times. Spokespeople for the State Department, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, arguing Venezuela`s President Nicolas Maduro is illegitimate. Maduro, meanwhile, has called Guaido a US-backed puppet and has so far retained his grip on the levers of government. The State Department announced in June it was slashing hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras after Trump said the three countries were not doing enough to stem migration.

Trump administration plans to divert $40 million in aid to Venezuela's opposition

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-brazil-for-us-asylum-deal-trump-revives-tariff-threat-226124">Mexico</a>.

Yazmin Juarez told a House of Representatives subcommittee that it was "like they tore out a piece of my heart" when just weeks after they were released her daughter Mariee died at 19 months old.

She said she left a hospital with nothing but a piece of paper with two handprints in pink paint that staff had made for her, and described through a translator how she missed her daughter's hugs.

Juarez said it was hard to relive the experience, but wanted to shed light on the lack of medical care. "The world should know," she said.

"It can’t be so hard for a country like the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-rights-chief-shocked-by-conditions-at-us-migrant-detention-centres-234083">United States</a> to protect kids who are locked up.

Guatemalan migrant: Life is difficult without my child

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/guatemalan-migrant-life-is-difficult-without-my-child-234883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Juarez testified at the House Committee on Oversight and Reform that was examining the treatment of refugees in US detention.

Apprehensions along the border have spiked to the highest in at least a decade, driven by families from Central America who say they are seeking asylum and fleeing violence in their home countries.

Images of filthy detention facilities jammed with refugees have sparked widespread criticism. On Monday UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was "appalled" that migrant children were forced to sleep on floors.

President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration has been one of his signature policies. "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centers, just tell them not to come," Trump wrote on Twitter last week.

Juarez told members of Congress, several of whom appeared shaken by her testimony, that her daughter was healthy when the pair were initially detained. They were held with 30 others, including sick children whom Juarez said could have infected her daughter.

Juarez said that she and her daughter fled violence in Guatemala for a better life.

“Unfortunately, that did not happen,” Juarez said.

Several members of the subcommittee including New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hugged Juarez after she spoke.

"No hay palabras, there are no words," said Chip Roy of Texas, the ranking Republican on the subcommittee.

He blamed Democrats for the border crowding.

"The blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to actually address this," he said.

The hearing came as a senior US Customs and Border Protection official told reporters that border agents were detaining only about 200 unaccompanied children at locations in the Southwest as of Wednesday, down from more than 2,500 in May. The reduction reflects funding increases that have enabled a federal health agency to expand its holding capacity.

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with Mexico.

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with Mexico. Yazmin Juarez told a House of Representatives subcommittee that it was "like they tore out a piece of my heart" when just weeks after they were released her daughter Mariee died at 19 months old. She said she left a hospital with nothing but a piece of paper with two handprints in pink paint that staff had made for her, and described through a translator how she missed her daughter's hugs. Juarez said it was hard to relive the experience, but wanted to shed light on the lack of medical care. "The world should know," she said. "It can’t be so hard for a country like the United States to protect kids who are locked up. Guatemalan migrant: Life is difficult without my child Juarez testified at the House Committee on Oversight and Reform that was examining the treatment of refugees in US detention. Apprehensions along the border have spiked to the highest in at least a decade, driven by families from Central America who say they are seeking asylum and fleeing violence in their home countries. Images of filthy detention facilities jammed with refugees have sparked widespread criticism. On Monday UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was "appalled" that migrant children were forced to sleep on floors. President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration has been one of his signature policies. "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centers, just tell them not to come," Trump wrote on Twitter last week. Juarez told members of Congress, several of whom appeared shaken by her testimony, that her daughter was healthy when the pair were initially detained. They were held with 30 others, including sick children whom Juarez said could have infected her daughter. Juarez said that she and her daughter fled violence in Guatemala for a better life. “Unfortunately, that did not happen,” Juarez said. Several members of the subcommittee including New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hugged Juarez after she spoke. "No hay palabras, there are no words," said Chip Roy of Texas, the ranking Republican on the subcommittee. He blamed Democrats for the border crowding. "The blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to actually address this," he said. The hearing came as a senior US Customs and Border Protection official told reporters that border agents were detaining only about 200 unaccompanied children at locations in the Southwest as of Wednesday, down from more than 2,500 in May. The reduction reflects funding increases that have enabled a federal health agency to expand its holding capacity.

'World should know,' migrant tells US Congress of toddler's death

Guatemalans on Sunday (June 16) voted for a new president, who will face the daunting challenge of curbing drug gang violence that has ravaged the country and helped spur illegal immigration to the United States, stoking tensions with President Donald Trump.

Polls close in Guatemala presidential race as secound round looks likely

A Mexican judge has freed two migrant rights activists who organised caravans, said a member of their legal team and a rights group on Wednesday, a week after their arrest which their supporters said was meant to appease the Trump administration.

After 13 hours of oral arguments for Cristobal Sanchez on Tuesday and an eight-hour overnight hearing for Irineo Mujica, a judge in southern Chiapas state ruled that the two veteran defenders of migrants should not be held in pre-trial custody, said lawyer Santiago Nunez, who attended the hearings.

Sanchez, 41, and Mujica, 49 were arrested within an hour of each other on June 5 and jailed as part of a Mexican crackdown that week, which coincided with talks in Washington to avert tariffs threatened by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-promises-unprecedented-steps-to-curb-migration-in-us-deal-joint-statement-225371">US President Donald Trump</a>.

The high profile activists were held in a prison in the southern border city of Tapachula ahead of a hearing on people trafficking charges.

The judge ruled they could face the charges in liberty. They face possible 24-year sentences each.

No-show by accusers

In Sanchez's hearing, the defence team presented witnesses, a photo, video and documents to show he was at a party in Mexico City on March 29 about 10 p.m., Nunez said.

That evidence contradicted four Honduran migrants who had said they handed $8,000 to Sanchez at that time in the Guatemalan border city of Tecun Uman.

The legal team also presented evidence that Mujica was in the town of Chahuites, Oaxaca, on Feb. 27 at about 9 a.m., about 114 miles (185km) from Mapastepec, Chiapas, where two other Honduran migrants had accused him of taking 7000 pesos ($374) to transport them to Tijuana at that time, Nunez said.

None of the six migrants who had accused Sanchez and Mujica appeared at the hearings, Nunez said.

Mexico's federal prosecutor office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mujica, working with migrant aid organization Pueblo Sin Fronteras, has for years guided annual caravans of Central American migrants, negotiating their passage, temporary shelter, food handouts and occasional transport through Mexico and sometimes to the US border.

The migrants travelling in large groups to avoid exploitation by cartels and corrupt government officials drew international attention in 2018 when Trump said they should be stopped before reaching the US border.

Though Pueblo Sin Fronteras has helped shepherd caravans for years, several more have formed more spontaneously since 2018 in southern Mexico or in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

A Mexican judge has freed two migrant rights activists who organised caravans, said a member of their legal team and a rights group on Wednesday, a week after their arrest which their supporters said was meant to appease the Trump administration.

A Mexican judge has freed two migrant rights activists who organised caravans, said a member of their legal team and a rights group on Wednesday, a week after their arrest which their supporters said was meant to appease the Trump administration. After 13 hours of oral arguments for Cristobal Sanchez on Tuesday and an eight-hour overnight hearing for Irineo Mujica, a judge in southern Chiapas state ruled that the two veteran defenders of migrants should not be held in pre-trial custody, said lawyer Santiago Nunez, who attended the hearings. Sanchez, 41, and Mujica, 49 were arrested within an hour of each other on June 5 and jailed as part of a Mexican crackdown that week, which coincided with talks in Washington to avert tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. The high profile activists were held in a prison in the southern border city of Tapachula ahead of a hearing on people trafficking charges. The judge ruled they could face the charges in liberty. They face possible 24-year sentences each. No-show by accusers In Sanchez's hearing, the defence team presented witnesses, a photo, video and documents to show he was at a party in Mexico City on March 29 about 10 p.m., Nunez said. That evidence contradicted four Honduran migrants who had said they handed $8,000 to Sanchez at that time in the Guatemalan border city of Tecun Uman. The legal team also presented evidence that Mujica was in the town of Chahuites, Oaxaca, on Feb. 27 at about 9 a.m., about 114 miles (185km) from Mapastepec, Chiapas, where two other Honduran migrants had accused him of taking 7000 pesos ($374) to transport them to Tijuana at that time, Nunez said. None of the six migrants who had accused Sanchez and Mujica appeared at the hearings, Nunez said. Mexico's federal prosecutor office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mujica, working with migrant aid organization Pueblo Sin Fronteras, has for years guided annual caravans of Central American migrants, negotiating their passage, temporary shelter, food handouts and occasional transport through Mexico and sometimes to the US border. The migrants travelling in large groups to avoid exploitation by cartels and corrupt government officials drew international attention in 2018 when Trump said they should be stopped before reaching the US border. Though Pueblo Sin Fronteras has helped shepherd caravans for years, several more have formed more spontaneously since 2018 in southern Mexico or in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Two prominent migrant rights defenders freed in Mexico

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