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A "coyote" was captured by the police in Guatemala while transporting four Cuban migrants who entered the Central American country irregularly, according to a report by the authorities.
The Civil National Police reported this Wednesday the detention of Víctor Hugo Gómez Álvarez, 49 years old, who was transporting four Cuban nationals in a car who entered Guatemala in violation of the legal immigration requirements.
The Cubans were taken to the Guatemalan Migration Institute to clarify their immigration status. The authorities did not disclose their names.
The arrest of the alleged human trafficker, the 25th since the beginning of the year, took place at kilometer 210.5 on route RD4, which leads from Chiquimula to Agua Blanca in the Jutiapa department, near the southern border of Guatemala.
The journey of Cuban migrants through Central American countries towards Mexico has been part of the increasing migratory flow to the United States, particularly over the last four years, due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba.
However, with the new immigration policies imposed by the Donald Trump administration, following his return to the White House in January, the wave of Cuban migration has experienced a significant decrease.
The number of Cubans entering the U.S. through its borders dropped dramatically in January, with a total of 6,314 entries, according to the latest data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office. Of that total, 6,136 people arrived via the southern border with Mexico.
On the same day of his inauguration for his second term as president, Trump signed a series of executive orders focused on immigration and national security.
Among the decrees he signed, the president ordered the elimination of humanitarian parole and the CBP One mobile application for requesting asylum, two programs that facilitated the entry of tens of thousands of Cubans into the U.S.
This Wednesday, the U.S. government announced an indefinite pause on processing residency applications for beneficiaries of humanitarian parole and other immigration programs implemented under the administration of Joe Biden. The measure affects more than 110,000 Cubans who entered the U.S. benefiting from parole.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cuban Migrants and Coyotes in Guatemala
Why was the coyote arrested in Guatemala for transporting Cuban migrants?
The coyote was apprehended for transporting Cuban migrants who had entered Guatemala irregularly. This occurred as part of the country's operations to combat human trafficking, an illegal activity that has seen an increase due to the rising flow of migration towards the United States.
What is happening with the Cuban migrants detained in Guatemala?
After being detained, Cuban migrants are taken to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration to determine their legal status. They receive initial humanitarian assistance and the necessary legal procedures are managed for them, which may include repatriation or transfer to shelters while their situation is resolved.
How has Donald Trump's return to the presidency affected Cuban migration?
The return of Donald Trump to the presidency has hardened immigration policies, significantly affecting Cuban migration. The elimination of humanitarian parole and the suspension of the CBP One application have notably reduced the number of Cubans entering the United States, leading to a decrease in migration flow.
What measures is Guatemala taking against human trafficking?
Guatemala has intensified its operations on roads and borders to combat human trafficking. These actions include the arrest of coyotes and migrants without legal documentation, aiming to dismantle the trafficking networks operating in the region and curb the irregular migratory flow.
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