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Honduran President Warns Trump Over Mass Deportation Plan
Honduran President Xiomara Castro issued a strong warning to President-elect Donald Trump this week in response to his plan for mass deportations upon returning to the White House. Castro cautioned that such actions could lead Honduras to reconsider its cooperation with the United States, particularly in military operations.
“Faced with a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change of our cooperation policies with the United States, especially in the military realm,” Castro stated in a televised address.
U.S. troops have been stationed at the Soto Cano airbase in Comayagua, Honduras, for over four decades. The base houses Joint Task Force Bravo, which assists in combating the transnational flow of narcotics and contraband. While the United States has operated there under cooperative agreements, it has not formally purchased the space, according to reports.
Castro criticized Republican-led efforts to remove Latino immigrants from the U.S., warning that such policies could jeopardize the agreement that allows U.S. troops in Honduras. Trump has argued his deportation plan aims to combat illegal immigration and secure the border, a key promise during his campaign.
Both leaders faced backlash for their positions. Critics of Trump highlighted concerns over constitutional birthright citizenship clauses and potential detainment of children with legal status alongside their undocumented parents. Trump, however, has doubled down on his vow, declaring, “On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history.”
Castro’s opponents also raised concerns about her stance. Political rival Jorge Calix warned that expelling U.S. troops could leave Honduras vulnerable, particularly given its dependence on the U.S. as a major trading partner. Analyst Olban Valladares dismissed her threat as unrealistic, noting the severe consequences such a move could have for Honduras and its migrants.
Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina defended Castro’s authority, asserting that she could remove U.S. troops without requiring Congressional approval. The Pentagon declined to comment, emphasizing that the matter concerns campaign rhetoric rather than official policy.
This diplomatic tension comes as Trump also announced plans to impose new tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, Canada, and China, signaling potential challenges for international relations as he prepares to take office.