source: NISGUA
https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/R122-Draft-US-Letter.pdf
In February of 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Central America, including Guatemala. The visit revolved around four axes: migration, organized crime, China, and U.S. economic investment. These reveal the United State’s regional strategy for the foreseeable future: Re-assert exclusive U.S. economic and political dominance in what it has long considered it’s “back yard.”
After two days of negotiations in Guatemala, President Arévalo and Secretary Rubio, announced that Guatemala agrees to:
- 40% increase in deportation flights from U.S. Accept non-Guatemalan deportees Reaffirm diplomatic recognition of Taiwan
- port expansions to become regional trade hub Political backing for Arévalo’s administration promise of increased Taiwanese investment
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
-Lays the groundwork for mass deportations
-Externalizes costs and responsibilities of legal and ethical obligations to migrants and refugees
-Ensures Arévalo’s subservience to U.S. interest
-Uses Guatemala in escalating tensions with China Expands access for U.S. allied capital
Indigenous People in Guatemala continue undeterred in their struggles for justice and life. In this critical moment, two of NISGUA’s partners pause to share a word of solidarity to the Guatemalan diaspora:
ADH most regrets seeing those who’ve already come back. It’s a blow to the heart. They haven’t even finished paying off their debts. Those of you who are still there, try to pay your debts. The suffering to make it was too high for things to end with a quick deportation. Take care of yourselves. Support your family. And if you can, support the territorial defense struggle in Guatemala.
[ADH is the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango, which has won many municipal water accords, protecting the water by gaining community control over water rights.]
CODIDENA: What would I say to the migrant diaspora? Take action where you are. Serve as an inspiration for others. Do not be afraid of repression. Keep the faith. You have not migrated for nothing. You have goals to achieve. Pray a lot. And as much as possible, be patient and don’t expose yourself unless it’s necessary. And if you’re deported, your country and family is here waiting for you with open arms.
[CODIDENA is the Diocesan Commission for the Defense of Nature, which has been crucial in the struggle to successfully resist the Escobal silver mine.]
AJR
A powerful example of solidarity from the diaspora with Guatemalan struggles is a delegation of leaders who in 2024 accompanied the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) during the Ixil Genocide Trial. They also visited genocide survivors in Nebaj. Organized collaboratively by NISGUA, AJR, Chicago Religious Leadership Network (CRLN), and the Maya Ixil Accompaniment Project, this delegation testifies to the enduring and internationalist solidarity we continue to build.
