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Cuban citizens are among the 12 immigrants detained by Guatemalan authorities this Saturday when the bus they were traveling on illegally was intercepted, presumably en route to the United States, in a likely human trafficking operation.
A statement from the Guatemalan Public Ministry indicated that the vehicle was irregularly transporting 12 migrants from Cuba, Peru, and Ecuador, and was stopped in the head of the department of Retalhuleu, located about 190 km from the capital of the Central American country.
The note did not specify the number of Cubans traveling on the bus. In the images shared by the Public Ministry on social media, there is at least one minor and several women among the migrants, but the information also did not clarify the composition of the group.
According to the authorities, it was confirmed that some of the individuals did not have legal entry into Guatemala, which suggests “their irregular transportation to another country for economic gain.”
The Public Ministry stated that "humanitarian attention and victim assistance were provided to migrants, safeguarding their fundamental rights."
In the operation carried out by the District Attorney's Office of Retalhuleu, with the support of the National Civil Police, the driver of the vehicle was arrested, identified as Julio Gustavo M.
A cellphone, SIM cards, a removable memory, and 1,986 quetzals in cash were seized from the detained individual, which were preserved as evidence.
Guatemala continues to be a transit route for hundreds of immigrants, including Cubans, attempting to reach the U.S., although the flow has significantly decreased compared to previous years, due to the strict immigration policy of the Donald Trump administration.
Despite the fact that the Guatemalan government maintains ongoing control operations on roads and borders to curb irregular transit, there are still Cubans risking the journey through Central America and crossing that country to reach Mexico and continue toward the southern border of the U.S.
Only 140 nationals from the island were detained in June while attempting to illegally enter the United States, according to the monthly report from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Cuban Immigrants in Guatemala
How many Cuban immigrants were detained in Guatemala recently?
The article does not specify the exact number of Cubans among the 12 immigrants detained in Guatemala this Saturday, although it mentions that the group included individuals from Cuba, Peru, and Ecuador. The images show at least one minor and several women among the migrants.
Why are Cuban immigrants detained in Guatemala?
Cuban immigrants are detained because they do not have legal entry to Guatemala, which indicates irregular movement towards another country, typically the United States, to seek economic benefits. This phenomenon reflects the challenges that Cuban migrants face on their journey to the U.S. and Guatemala's efforts to control irregular transit.
What measures does Guatemala take when intercepting illegal immigrants?
Guatemala provides humanitarian aid and victim support to immigrants, ensuring the protection of their fundamental rights. Migrants are transferred to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration to determine their status in the country.
How does U.S. immigration policy affect Cuban migrants?
The U.S. immigration policy, especially under the administration of Donald Trump, has led to a decrease in the arrivals of Cuban migrants due to stricter measures that include the elimination of humanitarian parole. Nevertheless, many Cubans continue to attempt to reach the U.S. due to the economic crisis in Cuba.
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