Guatemala, Honduras Deny Signing US Asylum Agreements

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Guatemala and Honduras agreed to accept asylum-seekers from third countries under new agreements with the United States, framing these deals as alternatives to migrants reaching the U.S. border. Noem described the agreements as part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to expand deportation options and reduce asylum claims in the U.S., emphasizing that refugees should have safe options beyond the United States. However, both Guatemala and Honduras have denied signing any safe third-country agreements during Noem's visit, with Guatemala stating it would only serve as a temporary stop for deportees and Honduras outright rejecting that any agreement was signed. Noem acknowledged the political difficulty these agreements pose for the Central American governments, which face domestic resource constraints and political challenges. The U.S. has similar arrangements with other countries like Canada, Panama, and Costa Rica, and has previously signed safe third-country agreements with these Central American nations during Trump's first term. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed to place U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Guatemala's airport to assist with security and counterterrorism training.