United States has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala and sent dozens to Honduras this year, a shift from earlier practice of returning them directly to Mexico.

Historically, Mexico accepted its own deportees and, since Trump’s second term, has entered agreements with Central American nations to act as transit points for migrants expelled from U.S. territory.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo said 2,284 Mexicans have arrived in Guatemala as a transit stop before being sent to Mexico without refugee or asylum status.

The Mexican government has protested the transfers, stating that Mexican citizens have the right to enter Mexico and that the practice may endanger those seeking asylum.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the administration is using “all lawful options” to carry out the largest deportation operation in history, as promised by President Trump.

Costs are covered by Mexico or, in some cases, by U.S. funding, according to Guatemalan officials.

The Mexican National Migration Institute confirmed the deportations began in April, with flights to Guatemala and Honduras followed by bus transport to southern Mexico.

Honduran officials did not respond to requests for comment, but records show 82 Mexicans arrived in San Pedro Sula in August and 35 more on a recent Thursday.

Additional data from NGOs indicate 165 Mexicans were deported to Honduras between May and mid‑July, and advocacy groups such as Human Rights First say the policy is intended to pressure Mexico.

Immigration lawyers note the tactic may circumvent court orders that block direct returns to Mexico, raising legal concerns.

The practice has continued with reports of Mexicans being sent to Costa Rica and other countries, while the Mexican foreign ministry says it is coordinating with partner nations to ensure safe return.