Trump: “We’re Sending a Clear Message to Human Smugglers and Traffickers”
President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday announced a “safe third country” agreement with Guatemala to combat asylum fraud and human smuggling. The agreement with the Central American country is a major victory for the president’s tariff threat strategy.
“We’re sending a clear message to human smugglers and traffickers that your day is over,” President Trump said before the signing. “And we’re investing in the future of Guatemala and the safety and rights of migrants.”
How Trump Got Safe Third Country Agreement
On May 31, President Trump announced the U.S. would impose a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico as a result of record numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border. The President said the tariffs will “gradually increase” on Mexico and others, and would remain until the flow stops.
Mexico and other Central American countries — to include Guatemala — repeatedly stated they would never accept a safe third country agreement.
But that was before the tariff threat.
“This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and the smugglers out of business,” the President added. “These are very bad, sick, deranged people who have made a lot of money off of other people’s miseries.”
“It is going to provide safety for legitimate asylum-seekers and stop asylum fraud and abuses in the system.”
