Deportation Flights to Guatemala: A Return Home or a Lingering Dream?
A deportation flight carrying dozens of Guatemalan nationals landed in Guatemala City early in the morning. The plane, instead of heading toward the main terminal, was directed to the military side of the airport, where fighter jets soared overhead in training exercises. As the aircraft doors opened, the returning migrants were welcomed by Guatemalan Vice President Karin Herrera and government officials before being escorted into a reception center.
The Reality of Deportation Flights
These repatriation flights, coordinated by U.S. immigration authorities, have been an ongoing process for years. While the administration of President Donald Trump had promised to accelerate deportations, Guatemalan officials stated that the frequency of these flights remained steady. However, a key difference noted was the use of military aircraft for repatriation operations.
Upon arrival, migrants were greeted with coffee and cookies, a gesture intended to offer comfort after their long journey. The deportees, some of whom had spent years in the United States, were quickly processed, with officials issuing temporary identification documents to assist in reintegration.
The Journey Back Home
Many of those aboard the flight had lived and worked in the United States for years. Some were fluent in English and had built lives, families, and careers. However, due to their undocumented status, they were eventually detained and deported. Several individuals recounted their experiences of being handcuffed throughout the flight until they left U.S. airspace, a standard immigration enforcement practice.
A few individuals remained in restraints upon arrival, escorted by local law enforcement due to pending criminal cases in Guatemala. However, for the majority, their return was marked by a mix of emotions—relief, uncertainty, and in some cases, a renewed determination to find a way back to the U.S.
Personal Stories: Leaving Behind a Life in the U.S.
Among the returnees was Sara Tot-Botoz, a 43-year-old woman who had spent a decade in Alabama working in construction, roofing, and auto repair. Her deportation followed a traffic stop that led to her immigration status being discovered. After spending several months in detention, she found herself back in Guatemala, eager to return to her indigenous community and rebuild her life.
Another returnee, Fidel Ambrocio, expressed frustration at his deportation. Having lived in the U.S. for 19 years, he had built a family and a career in Montgomery, Alabama. His removal stemmed from an old trespassing warrant. While U.S. authorities emphasize deporting individuals with criminal records, Ambrocio argued that his offense was minor and did not warrant permanent removal. Despite facing a legal ban on re-entry for a decade, he was already considering ways to return, even if it meant taking risks.
Looking Ahead: Reintegration or a New Journey?
The Guatemalan government encourages returnees to reintegrate into society, highlighting opportunities for employment and self-sufficiency. However, economic instability and limited job prospects remain challenges. Some migrants, despite the risks, still aspire to return to the U.S., viewing it as the best path for financial stability and a better future for their families.
For now, their journeys have come full circle, but for many, the American dream still lingers as an unfinished chapter in their lives.
