In a bid to confront escalating tensions over migration policies, Honduran President Xiomara Castro has convened an urgent meeting of Latin American and Caribbean leaders according to Breitbart.
The summit, scheduled for January 30, 2025, will focus on regional responses to U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown after Trump crushed Columbia over refusing to take back their illegal immigrants being deported from the U.S.
President Castro, currently serving as the pro-tempore president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), initiated this assembly amid growing concerns over the treatment of Latin American immigrants in the United States. CELAC made up of 33 nations, was established in 2011 to foster regional integration and cooperation.
The meeting's agenda is robust, covering issues like environmental policies, unity across Latin America and the Caribbean, and, predominantly, migration.
This gathering in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, marks an essential diplomatic engagement for the region, reflecting the strained relations between the U.S. and Latin America.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is among the notable attendees, having recently experienced a diplomatic altercation with Washington.
His government refused a U.S. flight carrying deported Colombian immigrants, criticizing the U.S. for alleged poor treatment and framing of these individuals as criminals.
The Colombian government has been vocal about its discontent, seeking agreements with the U.S. to ensure deported Colombians are treated with respect and dignity. "Colombian migrants as criminals," Petro lamented, highlighting the need for recognizing deportee rights.
According to a statement from Colombia's government, it remains committed to protecting its citizens and leading efforts to address migration challenges: "Colombia reaffirms its commitment to the protection of its nationals and will continue to lead regional and international efforts to find humane and fair solutions to migration challenges," the statement read.
In a demonstration of her government's resolve, President Castro has warned of potential significant actions against the U.S., including the possibility of shutting down an American military base in Honduras if mass deportations of Hondurans occur.
This tough stance builds on earlier discussions within the region. Earlier in January, a smaller meeting of ten Latin American countries was hosted by Mexico City, which also centered on migration. These meetings represent a coordinated regional effort to address and mitigate the repercussions of harsh U.S. immigration policies.
President Castro has praised the contribution of Honduran migrants to the U.S., describing them as indispensable to its development. "I can proudly say that Hondurans are the best workforce in the United States, proving that we are not a burden, but rather a driving force for the development of that nation," said Vice President Renato Florentino, relaying Castro’s words.
With her statements, Castro underlined the significance of migrant contributions, emphasizing the honesty and hard work of Hondurans abroad.
"We reaffirm the defense of their rights. Our migrants have earned every dollar with their honorable and hard work that they send to their families, the fruit of their effort, their sweat, and their determination,” she noted.
The emergency CELAC meeting serves as a vital platform for Latin American countries to present a united front in their interactions with the U.S. regarding migration policies. The discussions aim to pave the way for more respectful and humane treatment of immigrants and to ensure their rights are safeguarded.
As tensions continue to mount, the outcomes of this CELAC summit could significantly influence future U.S.-Latin America relations, particularly concerning migration diplomacy. The world watches as these nations come together to assert their collective stance and negotiate critical issues that affect their citizens' dignity and rights across borders.