US, Mexico, and Guatemala Strengthen Collaboration on Combating Illegal Migration

The United States, Mexico, and Guatemala have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in addressing illegal migration following high-level discussions in Washington, DC. This comes as migration and border concerns remain significant factors in US domestic politics.

In a joint statement released after the meetings, the three countries announced their commitment to establishing a trilateral working group. This group will focus on enhancing security, law enforcement, processes, and infrastructure along their respective international borders.

"Law enforcement authorities from the three countries will collaborate to uncover security vulnerabilities, exchange information, and create cohesive operational strategies," according to the statement. "This initiative will enhance and broaden current partnerships to tackle common challenges at our borders."

The Wednesday ministerial meeting, focused on migration, precedes visits by both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to the southern border. The border issue remains a key focus for the upcoming 2024 election, with Trump using the Biden administration's border management as a central theme for his re-election campaign. Biden, in turn, has criticized congressional Republicans for their failure to pass a bipartisan national security and border agreement earlier this year.

Wednesday's meeting coincides with Biden's potential consideration of executive action to limit asylum-seeking for migrants who crossed the US southern border illegally.

The US has historically depended on its southern partners to help decrease crossings at the US-Mexico border, with recent success attributed to Mexico's enhanced enforcement efforts. Additional discussions between the US and Mexico have taken place, with two more rounds held since December.

Wednesday's meeting centered on four main areas of focus as highlighted by a senior administration official: addressing the root causes of illegal migration, exploring ways to enhance legal pathways for migration through trilateral efforts, strengthening the management of irregular migration flows through joint commitments, and coordinating future ministerial level meetings.

The joint statement released following the meeting emphasized the importance of increasing coordinated efforts on humane border management and enforcement, particularly at the U.S. - Mexico and Mexico - Guatemala borders.

The statement indicated that the three delegations agreed to share data on migration flows through the introduction of a new dashboard. This initiative aims to improve data-driven decision-making and coordination.

In addition to this, the three countries engaged in discussions regarding the fight against human trafficking. They emphasized the significance of prevention programs and committed to enhancing joint law enforcement efforts. This includes improving information sharing and collaborating on investigations and prosecutions of human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks.

A second senior administration official, in a call with reporters on Tuesday, responded to assessments that the strategy to address root causes has largely failed. They countered by stating that this is a long-term effort that necessitates collaboration from various entities such as the US government, international organizations, foundations, and others.

The official expressed confidence in the success of this approach.

Another senior administration official expressed deep concern about "extra-hemispheric migration," referring to individuals who migrate to South America from other parts of the world. This issue is not only a concern for the United States but for many governments in the region as well.

The official mentioned that efforts have been made to collaborate with governments across the hemisphere to address the routes taken by migrants from outside the western hemisphere. This includes addressing the travel of Chinese nationals into the hemisphere and their eventual journey towards the US border.

CNN reported in January on Chinese nationals migrating to the US from Mexico.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the urgent need for collaboration to address the complex issue of illegal migration. The involvement of the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala in establishing a trilateral working group demonstrates the recognition of shared responsibility and the commitment to finding comprehensive solutions. The focus on enhancing security, law enforcement, and infrastructure along international borders is crucial for preventing illegal crossings and ensuring the safety of both migrants and border officials.

While the article provides a detailed account of the discussions and commitments made, it is important to consider the potential challenges and limitations of such initiatives. Addressing the root causes of illegal migration is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained efforts and cooperation from various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society. Additionally, the issue of "extra-hemispheric migration" raises concerns about the need for a broader regional approach to address migration flows from outside the western hemisphere.