Honduras Warns Trump: U.S. Military Base Expelled If Hondurans Are Deported

 

President Xiomara Castro Challenges Trump's Migrant Deportation Threats

Honduran President Warns of Policy Shift Amid U.S. Deportation Threats

On New Year’s Day, Honduran President Xiomara Castro issued a bold response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of mass migrant deportations. Speaking in a national broadcast, Castro warned that if Trump proceeds with deporting Hondurans from the United States, her administration would reconsider its cooperation with Washington, particularly regarding U.S. military bases in Honduras.

“In the face of a hostile attitude of mass deportation of our people, we’d have to consider a change in our policy of cooperation with the United States, especially in the military field,” Castro declared. She highlighted that U.S. military bases, including the longstanding presence at Soto Cano Air Base, have operated in Honduras for decades without financial compensation. “This arrangement would lose all justification if such deportations occur,” she emphasized.

The Stakes of Mass Deportations

Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants is a pressing concern for Honduras. According to official U.S. figures, over half a million Hondurans currently live in the United States without legal status. Many of these individuals send vital remittances back home, providing a lifeline for the Honduran economy. A sudden loss of these financial inflows could exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.

Soto Cano Air Base: A Strategic Leverage Point

President Castro’s remarks have put the U.S. military presence in Honduras under scrutiny. Soto Cano Air Base, a cornerstone of U.S. counter-narcotics operations since the 1980s, could become a bargaining chip in this geopolitical dispute. Castro’s stance underscores a growing willingness among some Latin American leaders to challenge U.S. dominance in the region.

Regional Solidarity on Migration

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her support for regional dialogue on migration. In a recent statement, Sheinbaum revealed ongoing discussions with Castro about organizing a meeting of foreign ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean to address the root causes of migration. “We are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation to tackle this issue at its core,” Sheinbaum explained.

Trump’s Economic Threats to Mexico

Trump’s rhetoric has not been limited to Honduras. He has also warned Mexico of steep 25% tariffs on all Mexican goods if the country fails to curb the flow of migrants to the U.S. While Sheinbaum’s response has been measured, analysts suggest that Mexico’s government is signaling a more assertive stance compared to its previous dealings with Trump’s administration.

The Challenges Ahead for Honduras

Despite Castro’s defiant tone, Honduras faces significant limitations as one of Latin America’s smallest and most impoverished nations. Critics, including a former ally of Castro’s government, have pointed out the country’s heavy dependence on U.S. financial support. “If the U.S. decides to close the tap on the $30 million that come into the country daily from remittances, it would kill us with hunger,” the critic warned.

Anticipating Trump’s Return

The true test of these diplomatic tensions will come after January 20th, when Trump is expected to resume office. Until then, the exchange of threats and responses remains speculative. However, Castro’s stance, alongside Mexico’s cautious yet firm approach, signals a potential shift in the region’s engagement with U.S. policies under a Trump administration.