Honduran President Issues Ultimatum to U.S. Military Amid Trump’s Deportation Threat

Honduran President Xiomara Castro has issued a stark warning regarding the potential expulsion of U.S. military forces from her country should President-elect Donald Trump advance his proposed mass deportations of Latin American citizens.

 

In an address to the nation on Wednesday, President Castro articulated her firm stance against Trump's proposed policies. Notably, she threatened to dismantle U.S. military presence in Honduras, a significant issue in Central American geopolitics.

This response signals a heightened pushback from leaders in the region against Trump's aggressive immigration stance, particularly that aimed at Hondurans. Castro emphasized that the ongoing military cooperation with the U.S. would be reconsidered if mass deportations occurred, making it clear that bases like Soto Cano - which has been established for decades without financial compensation - "would lose all reason to exist" in Honduras. Castro's sentiments were echoed by Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, who also convened foreign ministers to address concerns over deportations.

Moreover, emergency measures could be taken, as Honduras's foreign minister, Enrique Reina, affirmed that the president could unilaterally suspend agreements that permit U.S. military operations on Honduran soil. This maneuver could escalate tensions between Washington and Tegucigalpa, showcasing the fragile dynamics within U.S.-Latin America relations amid substantial policy shifts.