Record 61,680 Guatemalans Deported from the U.S. in 2024 Amid Rising Migration Trends

The Guatemalan Migration Institute reports a record-breaking 61,680 Guatemalans were deported from the United States in 2024. This milestone was reached with the arrival of the final deportation flights in Guatemala City.

On Friday, four deportee flights from Texas touched down at a Guatemalan Air Force base in the capital. Journalists from AFP observed over 100 individuals, predominantly women and children, disembarking from one of the planes.

The surge in deportations precedes Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the U.S. presidency in January 2025. Trump has publicly committed to implementing stricter immigration policies, including mass deportations.

Alarming Statistics on Guatemalan Migration
Guatemalan officials estimate that of the 2.7 million Guatemalans living in the United States, only 400,000 possess legal documentation to work and reside there. In 2024 alone, 508 flights were used to deport 61,680 Guatemalans, significantly higher than the 55,302 deportations recorded in 2023 and surpassing the previous record of 54,599 in 2019.

Economic Impact of Migration
Driven by extreme poverty and violence, thousands of Guatemalans migrate illegally to the United States each year, seeking better opportunities. Their remittances are a crucial lifeline for families back home. In 2024, Guatemalan migrants sent a record $21 billion back to their families, accounting for 19% of the nation’s GDP, according to Guatemala’s central bank.

Key Takeaways
2024 marked the highest number of Guatemalan deportations in history, with 61,680 individuals repatriated.
Remittances from Guatemalan migrants reached a historic $21 billion, underscoring their economic significance.
Stricter U.S. immigration policies, anticipated under Donald Trump’s administration, could further impact migration trends.
Stay updated on the latest migration and policy developments affecting Central America.