Honduras has threatened to end its cooperation with the United States, particularly in military matters, if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his tough immigration policies. In a message that reflects the growing international tension over Trump’s hardline stance, Honduran President Xiomara Castro warned that her country might reconsider its longstanding partnership with the U.S. unless the Biden administration changes course on its mass deportation plans.
Castro’s comments come in response to Trump’s promise to expel millions of illegal immigrants, many of whom are from Honduras and other Central American countries. She emphasized that the U.S. military maintains a significant presence in her country, particularly through the Palmerola military base in Comayagua, which has been under U.S. control since the 1980s. Yet, the U.S. does not pay rent for its use of the base—a fact that Castro highlighted as a key leverage point.
Honduras has become a critical player in the broader debate over illegal immigration, given that roughly 2 million Hondurans live in the U.S. According to the Honduran government, around 250,000 Hondurans are expected to face deportation in 2025 alone. These figures underscore the urgency of the situation for both the U.S. and Honduras, and Castro’s warning reflects her growing frustration with U.S. immigration policy.
On the other hand, Trump’s approach to illegal immigration has been a cornerstone of his platform. He has vowed to take aggressive action against unlawful immigration, including deploying the National Guard to support border enforcement, reinstituting the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and ending the catch-and-release practice that critics argue encourages illegal immigration. He has also threatened to impose tariffs on countries, including Honduras, if they fail to help curb the flow of migrants.
While President-elect Trump’s tough stance on immigration resonates with his base, it’s clear that the policy will spark intense resistance both within the U.S. and internationally. As lawmakers, immigration advocates, and foreign governments prepare to challenge the proposed mass deportations, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will navigate these high-stakes diplomatic tensions.