Guatemalan authorities arrested 13 Cuban migrants along with a suspected human trafficker on Thursday in the Chiquimula department, near the border with Honduras.
According to a statement from the National Civil Police (PNC), the group was intercepted in a white Honda vehicle with license plates P-844HVW at kilometer 233 of National Route 1, in the jurisdiction of Santa Irene, San Antonio Sacatepéquez, San Marcos department.
The report on Facebook from the independent media San Marcos informativo GT states that the driver, identified as René Saúl Ford González, 38 years old, disobeyed a stop signal issued by agents of the Division for Nature Protection (#DIPRONA) during an operation of the Pinabete Plan, designed to protect the region's natural resources.
After being intercepted a kilometer ahead, authorities discovered the Cuban migrants, including six women, four men, and three minors aged 2, 15, and 16, who had entered the country irregularly.
The migrants received initial humanitarian aid and were transferred to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration to continue with the legal procedures.
Meanwhile, the detainee was placed at the disposal of the corresponding court to face charges of human trafficking, a crime that is being vigorously pursued in the region due to the increase in migratory flow.
In recent months, Guatemala has intensified its operations against human trafficking, resulting in the detention of numerous Cuban migrants who are passing through its territory irregularly.
In October, two arrests took place in that country. In the first incident, the PNC intercepted a bus at kilometer 69.6 in the Escuintla sector, transporting 70 migrants, including 27 Cubans.
Subsequently, the same police institution detained 59 migrants at kilometer 69 on the Pacific route, including several Cubans, Venezuelans, Colombians, and citizens of other nationalities. In this operation, the driver and the assistant of the vehicle were also arrested, accused of human trafficking.
These detentions reflect the increasing flow of Cuban migrants to the United States. According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in October 2024, more than 8,000 Cubans entered the country through various borders, highlighting the ongoing migration crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cuban Migrants in Guatemala
Why were the Cuban migrants arrested in Guatemala?
Cuban migrants were detained for irregularly entering Guatemala as part of an operation against human trafficking in the country. In this specific case, a group of 13 Cubans and an alleged human trafficker were apprehended. Guatemala has intensified its operations due to the increase in migration flow toward the United States.
What happens to Cuban migrants after they are detained in Guatemala?
Following their detention, the Cuban migrants receive initial humanitarian assistance and are transferred to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration. From there, the necessary legal procedures are initiated, which may include repatriation or relocation to shelters while their migratory status is being resolved.
What measures is Guatemala taking against human trafficking?
Guatemala has intensified its operations against human trafficking, particularly due to the increase in irregular migration flows. These measures include operations on roads and borders, as well as the arrest of coyotes and migrants without legal documentation, aiming to curb the trafficking networks operating in the region.
How many Cubans have been detained in Guatemala in recent operations?
In recent months, several operations have resulted in the detention of numerous Cuban migrants. In October, for example, 27 Cubans were apprehended on a bus alongside other migrants of different nationalities. These operations reflect an increase in the transit of Cubans through Guatemala on their way to the United States.
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