Guatemala and Honduras accept asylum seekers under new agreements with the U.S

In June 2025, Guatemala and Honduras finalized agreements with the United States aimed at offering refuge to individuals from other nations seeking asylum. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that these agreements are a continuation of efforts initiated during the Trump administration to provide alternatives to asylum in the U.S. for migrants from regions facing violence or economic hardships. The arrangements enable the U.S. to return migrants to these Central American countries while expanding the scope of U.S. asylum policies. Noem explained that the objective is to ensure refugees can find safety and protection not solely within U.S. borders. The details of these agreements reportedly took months to solidify, with the U.S. applying pressure on both nations to finalize them. However, both the Honduran and Guatemalan governments have publicly denied that they signed third safe country agreements, indicating that they would only temporarily house migrants sent by the U.S. as they prepare to return to their home countries. This political dynamic arises from internal pressures both countries face; both Honduras and Guatemala are grappling with a high volume of their citizens fleeing northward due to violence and limited economic prospects. Concerns exist about the domestic acceptance of agreements that essentially may assist the U.S. in limiting asylum seeker access while two left-leaning administrations are in power in these nations. Shifting the responsibility onto these countries complicates the situation as they both lack fully developed asylum systems to handle additional refugee burdens. Under previous administrations, including that of President Donald Trump, similar agreements were in place with Central American countries and have faced scrutiny and political challenges. While these strategies are intended to streamline the handling of asylum seekers and provide U.S. authorities with more options, they present many complications on the ground, particularly as the U.S. continues to deport numerous migrants each year, many of whom may seek asylum under different circumstances. The interaction between the U.S. and Central America in the context of international migration reflects broader geopolitical realities and humanitarian needs that remain significant in discussions about immigration policy.