Central America has historically accepted the return of its own citizens deported from the United States. However, under the Trump administration, there’s been an unsettling change in policy demanding these nations to also take in migrants originating from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
This controversial shift in immigration strategy has raised eyebrows, as hundreds of migrants have been transported on military planes to countries like Panama and Costa Rica without prior knowledge of their final destination. The situation has prompted scrutiny over the broader implications of this policy shift on the already fragile political landscape in Central America.
Currently, the number of global deportees arriving in these nations remains relatively modest. However, local leaders are expressing a reluctant allegiance to U.S. demands while downplaying the magnitude of the deportations. Analysts predict that the pressure could soon mount to unsustainable levels, and if the number of deportation flights increases significantly, it may trigger a crisis in host countries.
"These nations are left with very few options," notes Christopher Sabatini, a senior researcher at Chatham House. He highlights the potential repercussions that could arise should they resist U.S. policies, drawing parallels to Colombia's President Petro, who faced sanctions for opposing similar demands.
In February alone, the Trump administration dispatched three military aircraft carrying around 300 deportees, primarily from Asian and Middle Eastern nations, to Panama. Another flight brought 135 individuals—almost half being children—from various global regions to Costa Rica shortly after. As the situation evolves, the stability of Central America hangs precariously in the balance, dictated by U.S. immigration enforcement strategies.
