As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January 2025, Central America and Mexico are bracing for an influx of vulnerable migrants amid his promises of mass deportations. Approximately 560,000 Hondurans currently live in the U.S. without legal status, and estimates suggest that around 150,000 could face rapid expulsion under Trump's administration [d7fac7d7].
Norma, a 69-year-old Honduran mother, recently shared her harrowing experience of facing death threats from gangs in her home country. After spending $10,000 on a trip to the U.S. with her family, her asylum petition was rejected, leading to their deportation back to Honduras on December 3, 2024 [d7fac7d7]. Antonio GarcĂa, Honduras' deputy foreign minister, noted that the country lacks the capacity to handle the influx of deportees, many of whom return to violence and poverty [d7fac7d7]. Since 2015, Honduras has received around 500,000 deportees, with reports indicating that 40% of them attempt to return to the U.S. [d7fac7d7].
In light of Trump's hardline immigration policies, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration is coordinating with authorities to prepare for the potential mass deportations of Mexican citizens from the U.S. [d93dd091]. Humanitarian concerns are rising, as many deportees will face increased vulnerability to violence and limited access to services upon their return [d93dd091]. The economic impact of these deportations could lead to labor shortages and destabilization of local economies, particularly affecting sectors such as agriculture, construction, and childcare [d93dd091].
The challenges faced by deportees are compounded by the existing humanitarian crisis in Honduras. Larissa MartĂnez, a deportee from 2021, struggles to find work and support her children, planning to migrate again if she cannot secure employment [d7fac7d7]. Aid networks in Honduras are already overwhelmed as deportation flights increase, highlighting the urgent need for support in the region [d7fac7d7].
In the context of these developments, approximately 1,500 migrants from Tapachula, Mexico, are making their way toward the U.S. border, driven by fears of stricter immigration policies under Trump's administration. Venezuelan migrant Yamel Enriquez expressed concerns about securing an asylum appointment before potential policy changes take effect [d7fac7d7].
Trump's transition team is reportedly in discussions with Mexico and El Salvador about accepting deported migrants, indicating a broader regional impact of U.S. immigration policies [d93dd091]. As the new year approaches, the plight of migrants and deportees in Central America and beyond remains a pressing humanitarian issue, with Trump expected to sign executive orders on immigration on his first day in office, which is in 31 days [d93dd091]. César Muñoz, a regional expert, warns of a looming humanitarian crisis as the situation continues to deteriorate [d7fac7d7].