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Agents from the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) apprehended five Cuban migrants this Friday while they were traveling on kilometer 44 of the Atlantic Highway.
Upon reporting the detention, the authorities of that Central American country specified that the Cubans were part of a group of 10 individuals, including five from China, who did not have the necessary documents to justify their stay in the country.
The undocumented individuals were taken to the Foreign Migrants Assistance Center (CAMIEX), located in Zone 5 of Guatemala City.
The official information added that foreigners were guaranteed treatment that is "dignified and respectful, prioritizing their well-being in accordance with the principles established in immigration legislation."
Migrants, whose names were not disclosed, were provided with medical assistance and food while their cases are being processed and their immigration situation is being evaluated.
This detention adds to the already systematic ones in Guatemala, a country through which irregular migrants travel to reach the northern border of Mexico.
Guatemala shares a border with Mexico, which makes it easier to cross into that territory and continue the journey towards the United States.
This Wednesday, it was reported that a "coyote" was apprehended by the police in Guatemala while transporting four Cuban migrants who had entered the country irregularly.
Víctor Hugo Gómez Álvarez, 49 years old, was transporting four individuals of Cuban nationality in a car, who entered Guatemala in violation of legal immigration requirements.
On that occasion, the Cubans were also taken to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration to determine their immigration status. The authorities did not disclose their names.
Despite the fact that the new immigration policies imposed by the Donald Trump administration have led to a decline in the arrivals of Cuban migrants to the U.S., many continue to pursue their goal of reaching that country.
In January, the number of Cubans who entered the U.S. through its borders dropped dramatically, with a total of 6,314 entries, according to the data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office. Of that total, 6,136 individuals arrived through the southern border with Mexico.
On the day of his inauguration, Trump signed a series of executive orders focused on immigration and national security.
Among the decrees signed, the leader ordered the elimination of humanitarian parole and the CBP One mobile application for applying for asylum, two programs that facilitated the entry of tens of thousands of Cubans into the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cuban Migrants in Guatemala
Why were the Cuban migrants detained in Guatemala?
Cuban migrants were detained for entering Guatemala irregularly, as part of an operation against human trafficking in the country. Such operations have intensified in response to the increasing flow of migrants heading to the United States.
What happens to Cuban migrants after they are detained in Guatemala?
After their detention, Cuban migrants receive humanitarian assistance and are transferred to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration. There, the necessary legal procedures are undertaken, which may include repatriation or transfer to shelters while their immigration status is being resolved.
What measures is Guatemala taking against human trafficking?
Guatemala has intensified its operations against human trafficking, especially due to the increase in irregular migration flows. These measures include operations on roads and borders, and the arrest of "coyotes" and migrants without legal documentation, aiming to curb the trafficking networks operating in the region.
How do U.S. immigration policies affect Cuban migrants?
The immigration policies of the United States have tightened conditions for Cuban migrants, especially following the elimination of humanitarian parole and the application of CBP One. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of Cubans able to enter the country, although many still attempt to reach the United States despite the hardships.
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