On Saturday, Guatemalan authorities successfully intercepted a group of 88 migrants traveling unlawfully through the country and apprehended two suspected human traffickers, according to AFP. The operation took place at a checkpoint in Jutiapa, a department close to the border with El Salvador, where officers from the National Civil Police (PNC) and the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) stopped several suspicious vehicles.
Reports indicate that the migrants hailed from Cuba, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, with the United States as their intended final destination. Many lacked identification documents or transit permits, prompting their transfer to a temporary shelter while their immigration status is determined.
The individuals detained, identified as "coyotes" or human smugglers, are Guatemalan nationals and will face charges for the illicit trafficking of migrants, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Guatemala. The country is a key transit route for migrants aiming to reach the United States. In recent months, the government has stepped up highway and border checks to curb irregular transit amid a surge in regional migration flows.
In October 2024, the PNC detained 27 Cuban migrants traveling by bus alongside individuals from other nationalities, totaling 70 irregular migrants. In December of the same year, 13 Cubans were arrested with a suspected human trafficker in the department of Chiquimula, near the Honduran border. Furthermore, in February 2025, Guatemalan authorities detained a supposed "coyote" transporting four Cuban migrants who had entered the country illegally. These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges faced by Cuban migrants on their journey to the United States, as well as the efforts by Guatemalan authorities to manage irregular transit within their borders.
Understanding the Migration Challenges in Guatemala
What measures is Guatemala taking to control irregular migration?
Guatemala has intensified its highway and border operations to combat irregular migration, focusing on intercepting suspicious vehicles and individuals without proper documentation.
What penalties do human smugglers face in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, human smugglers, or "coyotes," can face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of illicit trafficking of migrants.
How are migrants treated when intercepted without proper documents?
Migrants without identification or transit permits are typically taken to temporary shelters where their immigration status is reviewed and determined.