Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is currently in Guatemala meeting with senior Latin American officials as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address border security and legal migration. This comes as President Biden faces criticism for his handling of the southern border, a key issue for many voters.
In recent years, the United States has increasingly relied on international partnerships to help control the flow of migrants reaching the southern border. Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas recently visited Mexico to discuss increased enforcement measures, resulting in a significant drop in border apprehensions.
The meeting in Guatemala is part of ongoing discussions related to the Los Angeles Declaration, a 2022 agreement aimed at securing borders and promoting legal migration efforts. Acting Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Kristie Canegallo emphasized the importance of the compact in providing a framework for shared goals.
As a result of the agreement, safe mobility offices have been established in countries like Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica to help increase refugee processing. Additionally, the United States has placed visa restrictions on Colombian companies involved in facilitating irregular migration via sea.
The Biden administration hopes that these efforts will help demonstrate their commitment to border security and legal migration, as they work with regional partners to address the complex challenges of migration in the region.
