[See the process deported migrants go through after landing in Guatemala
As the jets touch down in Guatemala, a new chapter begins for the hundreds of migrants who have just been deported from the United States. For many, it’s a return to a country they left behind years ago, and for others, it’s a reunion with family and friends after being separated by borders.
The scene is chaotic as buses arrive, carrying migrants who have just been expelled from the US to Guatemala’s capital, Guatemala City. They’re met with a sea of volunteers, many from non-profit organizations and social workers, who are there to offer aid and assistance.
The process is overwhelming, with buses arriving every 15 minutes, each one filled with people who have been forced to return to a country they may not have seen in years. “This is the worst feeling, being sent back to Guatemala with my head down, like I’m a criminal,” said Iván Omar, a 24-year-old migrant who was deported from the US.
The deportation process is swift, with no more than a few hours to gather belongings and say goodbye. Some are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a small backpack with a few personal items. Others are able to retrieve some of their belongings, but often only after a grueling round of interviews with US authorities.
As they disembark, many are met with the same question: “What’s next?” “I don’t know, I am scared,” said MarÃa Ejmi, a 30-year-old migrant who was returning to Guatemala with her two young children. “I don’t know what I’m going to do here. I don’t have any money and no one to turn to.”
The uncertainty is palpable as the group begins the journey to settle into their new life in Guatemala. They’ll face challenges, from finding employment to accessing medical care and education, all while adjusting to a new environment. But they won’t be alone, as Guatemala’s non-profit organizations and volunteers work to provide support and resources to ease their transition.
As the day wears on, the process will repeat itself, with hundreds more migrants arriving from the US, all with their own stories of struggle and resilience.
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