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The authorities of Guatemala intercepted a group of 88 migrants who were traveling irregularly through the country and captured two suspected human traffickers, reported the agency AFP.
The operation took place at a checkpoint located in the department of Jutiapa, near the border with El Salvador, where agents from the National Civil Police (PNC) and the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) stopped several suspicious vehicles.
According to the official report, the migrants came from Cuba, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, and were headed for the United States.
Many of them did not have identity documents or transit permits, which is why they were transferred to a temporary shelter while their immigration status is determined.
The detainees, identified as human traffickers or "coyotes", are of Guatemalan nationality and will face charges for the illegal trafficking of migrants, a crime punishable by sentences of up to 10 years in prison in the Central American country.
Guatemala is one of the main transit routes for migrants attempting to reach the United States. In recent months, the government has intensified control operations on roads and borders to curb irregular transit, amidst an increase in migration flows in the region.
In October 2024, the PNC arrested 27 Cuban migrants traveling on a bus along with individuals of other nationalities, totaling 70 irregular migrants.
In December of the same year, 13 Cubans were detained along with an alleged human trafficker in the department of Chiquimula, near the border with Honduras.
Additionally, in February 2025, Guatemalan authorities arrested a alleged "coyote" who was transporting four Cuban migrants who had entered the country irregularly.
These incidents highlight the complexity and the challenges faced by Cuban migrants on their journey to the United States, as well as the efforts of Guatemalan authorities to control irregular transit within their territory.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of migrants in Guatemala
How many migrants were intercepted in Guatemala and what nationalities did they have?
Guatemalan authorities intercepted 88 migrants in an operation in the Jutiapa department. The migrants were from Cuba, Eritrea, Uzbekistan, Haiti, and other Latin American countries, with a final destination of the United States.
What happened to the migrants after their detention in Guatemala?
After their arrest, the migrants were taken to a temporary shelter while the authorities determined their immigration status, as many lacked identity documents or transit permits.
What legal actions do the alleged human traffickers detained in Guatemala face?
The alleged traffickers, known as "coyotes," are facing charges for the illegal trafficking of migrants, a crime that can be punished with sentences of up to 10 years in prison in Guatemala.
Why is Guatemala a key point in the migration route to the United States?
Guatemala is located in a strategic geographical position that makes it one of the main transit routes for migrants trying to reach the United States. The intensification of control operations on roads and borders aims to curb irregular transit in the region.
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