Honduras's President Xiomara Castro has threatened to push the U.S. military out of a base established decades ago in the country if President-elect Donald J. Trump proceeds with mass deportations of undocumented immigrants from the United States. This statement, made during a televised address, marks a significant response from a regional leader to Trump's plans to deport millions of Latin American citizens.
The threat coincides with an upcoming meeting of foreign ministers later this month to discuss the deportation issue. Castro stated, "Faced with a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change in our policies of cooperation with the United States, especially in the military arena." She emphasized that the U.S. maintains military bases in Honduras without financial compensation, questioning their continued existence under potential hostile policies.
Honduras's Foreign Minister Enrique Reina indicated that Castro has the authority to unilaterally suspend the agreement allowing the U.S. to operate the Soto Cano air base, which is home to America's largest military task force in Central America. However, such a move could pose significant risks for Honduras, which relies heavily on the U.S. as its primary trading partner and a source of humanitarian aid.
Commenting on Castro's bold stance, Will Freeman, a fellow in Latin America studies, expressed surprise at the assertiveness of her remarks. In response, a spokesman for the Trump transition team stated that the administration looks forward to collaborating with Latin American partners to secure the southern border and facilitate the return of illegal immigrants.
While Trump has promised swift deportations, concrete plans have yet to be disclosed, leaving Latin American governments uncertain about how to prepare. Many regional leaders, including Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, have sought to maintain positive relations with Trump while highlighting the contributions of their citizens to the U.S. economy.
In anticipation of potential deportations, Honduras plans to establish mobile consulates, and Mexico has developed an online application for citizens at risk of detention. Sheinbaum has also suggested that Mexico might accept deportees from other countries, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on migration issues.
Remittances from immigrants in the U.S. are vital to Honduras's economy, accounting for as much as 25%. Recent estimates suggest that over half a million undocumented Hondurans, about 5% of the population, reside in the United States.
The Soto Cano air base, originally constructed in the 1980s to combat perceived Communist threats, currently hosts over a thousand U.S. military and civilian personnel. While the base has been involved in counternarcotics operations, its recent focus has shifted to disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
Responses from Honduran officials have varied, with some distancing themselves from Castro's comments and emphasizing the importance of dialogue with the Trump administration. Reina reiterated the need for good relations with the U.S. while supporting Castro's position on mass deportations.
Overall, the Honduran government's stance reflects a complex interplay of regional politics and the potential impact of U.S. immigration policies on Central America. The situation remains fluid as governments in the region prepare for possible changes in U.S. policy under the incoming administration.