A group of Cuban nationals was among 12 migrants apprehended by Guatemalan authorities this past Saturday. The bus they were traveling on was stopped under suspicion of illegal transportation, likely as part of a human smuggling operation aimed at reaching the United States.
According to a statement from Guatemala's Public Ministry, the intercepted bus was carrying 12 undocumented migrants from Cuba, Peru, and Ecuador. The vehicle was halted in the main area of Retalhuleu, approximately 118 miles from the capital of the Central American nation.
While the exact number of Cubans on board was not disclosed, images released by the Public Ministry on social media revealed the presence of at least one minor and several women among the migrants, though specific details about the group's makeup were not provided.
Authorities confirmed that some individuals lacked legal entry into Guatemala, leading to the suspicion that they were being transported illegally to another country for financial gain. The Public Ministry assured that the migrants received "humanitarian aid and victim assistance" to protect their fundamental rights.
The operation, carried out by the Retalhuleu District Prosecutor's Office with assistance from the Civil National Police, resulted in the arrest of the bus driver, identified as Julio Gustavo M. Confiscated items included a cell phone, SIM cards, a removable memory device, and 1,986 quetzales in cash, all retained as evidence.
Guatemala remains a transit route for hundreds of migrants, including Cubans, trying to reach the U.S. However, the flow has significantly decreased in recent years due to the strict immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Despite ongoing road and border control operations by the Guatemalan government to curb illegal transit, some Cubans continue to brave the journey through Central America and across Guatemala to reach Mexico and eventually the U.S. southern border. According to the monthly report by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), only 140 Cuban nationals were apprehended in June while attempting to enter the United States illegally.
Understanding the Migrant Interception in Guatemala
Why were the migrants detained in Guatemala?
The migrants were detained because they were being transported illegally, likely as part of a human smuggling operation, and some lacked legal entry into Guatemala.
What assistance did the Guatemalan authorities provide to the migrants?
The Guatemalan authorities provided humanitarian aid and victim assistance to the migrants to ensure their fundamental rights were protected.
How has the flow of migrants changed in recent years?
The flow of migrants through Guatemala has decreased significantly due to the strict immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.