This US-Guatemala Deal Puts American Interests First by Cracking Down on Illegal Crossings

The United States and Guatemala are doubling down on a partnership that puts American interests first. In a pivotal Washington meeting, Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez charted a course to tackle illegal immigration head-on while fostering economic growth. This isn’t just diplomacy; it’s a strategic move to secure our borders and ensure prosperity for both nations. The message is clear: Guatemala is stepping up, and the US is ready to reward that commitment.

For too long, unchecked migration has strained American communities, overwhelmed border resources, and undermined the rule of law. Guatemala’s willingness to collaborate on immigration control signals a shift toward accountability. By cracking down on illegal crossings and accepting deportees, Guatemala is proving itself a reliable ally in a region plagued by instability. This partnership, rooted in shared goals, offers a blueprint for how nations can work together to uphold sovereignty and stability.

Contrast this with the chaos of open-border policies championed by some policymakers in Washington. Their approach, which prioritizes unchecked migration over national security, has fueled crime, stretched public services, and eroded trust in governance. The Landau-Martinez meeting rejects that failed ideology, embracing instead a pragmatic, results-driven strategy that protects American citizens while fostering regional progress.

The heart of this partnership lies in its unflinching focus on border security. Guatemala’s efforts to combat illegal immigration, backed by US support, are yielding tangible results. From specialized police units to joint border task forces, Guatemala is bolstering its capacity to stop migrants before they reach our southern border. Recent agreements to increase deportation flights by 40% and accept third-country nationals deported from the US underscore a commitment to enforcement that Americans demand.

Data backs the urgency of this approach. In 2024, over 10% of new US asylum applications came from Guatemala and its neighbors, driven by violence, poverty, and weak governance. While some advocate for endless aid to address these root causes, the reality is that enforcement must come first. Guatemala’s cooperation allows the US to deport violators swiftly, deterring others from making the dangerous journey. This isn’t cruelty; it’s clarity about the consequences of breaking our laws.

Yet, critics of strict enforcement, often found in academic circles or activist groups, argue “‘root cause’ investments” are the only humane solution. Their vision ignores the immediate threats to American communities and the fact that decades of aid have failed to stem migration flows. By prioritizing enforcement, the US and Guatemala are delivering what citizens want: borders that mean something and laws that are respected.

Beyond security, the US-Guatemala partnership is unlocking economic potential that benefits both nations. Discussions between Landau and Martinez emphasized expanding commercial ties and creating a business environment that attracts American investment. Guatemala’s push to become a nearshoring hub, with its proximity to the US and young workforce, aligns perfectly with America’s need for secure, reliable trade partners. In 2023, Guatemala imported $1.7 billion in US agricultural products, and new trade missions promise even deeper ties.

This economic focus isn’t just about dollars; it’s about creating jobs in Guatemala to reduce migration pressures. A 2020 agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation aimed to catalyze $1 billion in private investment, with projections of up to $4 billion in economic impact. By fostering opportunity locally, Guatemala can keep its citizens home, easing the burden on US border resources. It’s a win-win that prioritizes self-reliance over dependency.

Skeptics, often aligned with big-government spending advocates, insist that only massive, long-term aid can address migration’s causes. But their approach risks wasting taxpayer dollars on bloated programs with little accountability. The US-Guatemala economic strategy, by contrast, leverages private investment and trade to deliver results, proving that markets, not handouts, are the path to prosperity.

This partnership comes at a critical moment. With migration from Central America showing no signs of slowing, the US cannot afford half-measures. One in four Central American households wants to send a member abroad, and remittances now account for 20-30% of Guatemala’s economy. Without strong deterrence and economic alternatives, the flow of migrants will continue to challenge American sovereignty and strain local communities.

Guatemala’s cooperation is a lifeline, but it’s not without risks. Corruption and weak institutions have long hampered progress, and the recent pause in US foreign aid, announced in early 2025, sends a clear message: assistance must deliver results. By tying aid to measurable outcomes, like reduced migration and stronger governance, the US ensures taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. This approach stands in stark contrast to past policies that poured funds into ineffective programs with no end in sight.

The alternative, favored by some in Washington’s elite circles, is a borderless vision that invites chaos. Their push for amnesty and unrestricted migration ignores the real-world costs: overcrowded schools, strained hospitals, and rising crime in American towns. The US-Guatemala partnership offers a better way, balancing enforcement with opportunity to protect our nation while helping our neighbors thrive.

The Landau-Martinez meeting is a bold step toward a future where borders are secure and economies flourish. By strengthening Guatemala’s ability to control migration and attract investment, the US is building a partnership that serves its citizens first. This isn’t about turning away from global responsibility; it’s about ensuring that cooperation abroad strengthens, not weakens, America’s foundation.

As this partnership deepens, Americans should demand that their leaders stay focused on enforcement, accountability, and economic growth. The US-Guatemala alliance proves that principled, pragmatic solutions can address complex challenges without sacrificing sovereignty. It’s time to reject the voices calling for open borders and endless aid, and instead champion a strategy that puts America’s security and prosperity at the forefront.