In a statement, the IGM detailed that 2,147 men, 690 women and 125 minors have arrived to Guatemala, five of them unaccompanied, that is to say without one of their parents.

The IGM, through the Sub-Directorate of Attention and Protection of Fundamental Rights of Migrants, leads the reception of Guatemalans at the Reception Center for Returnees, in the Guatemalan Air Force.

The IGM coordinates with over 12 institutions to take care of the Guatemalans in a dignified manner, in compliance with the inter-institutional protocol approved by the Attention and Protection Council.

Official data showed that the toll of 19,337 nationals who were deported to Guatemala from the United States up to the end of March showed a surge of 69.2% compared to the 1Q 2023.

The IGM updated that since January 1 to date, the United States sent 27,151 people back to Guatemala, while 2,231 others were deported from Mexico.

“Deportations are going to rise from Mexico and the United States because the number of people is significant”, analyst Fernando Castro warned some days ago in statements to local press.

Castro recalled that as a result of the possible implementation of the Texas SB4 Anti-Immigrant Law (still pending), many people are currently trying to reach the southern Mexico-US border before the law enters into force.

“The migratory flow has increased and it is to be expected that, in this regard, deportations to Guatemala will surge”, Castro said.

Pll/jha/znc