The Embassy of India in Guatemala has expressed significant concern regarding the increasing number of Indian citizens who are illegally entering Central American nations, often with the ultimate goal of reaching Mexico and subsequently the United States.
In response to inquiries made under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Embassy acknowledged that the unauthorized entry of Indian nationals into countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras as a transit route to the U.S. presents a complex and challenging situation.
Embassy officials diligently assist these distressed Indian migrants whenever they are apprehended by local authorities for entering without proper visas or legal documentation. This support includes providing essential interpretation services and ensuring their general well-being during detention.
Challenges of Illegal Entry
While the Embassy did not disclose specific statistics on the number of Indians deported from various detention facilities in Central America, or detailed actions taken to combat human trafficking from India to the region, they did highlight notable cases.
One Indian national, for instance, was detained in a Guatemalan center for eight long years on human trafficking charges. Thanks to the Embassy’s intervention, he was finally released and repatriated to India in September 2022. Another case involved an Indian citizen arrested in March 2023 in El Salvador for illegal entry en route to the United States. The Embassy successfully facilitated his release and deportation back to India by June 2023.
Tragically, another Indian lost his life on the Guatemalan border on March 8, 2023, during an attempt to enter the U.S. unlawfully. His body was initially buried anonymously by local authorities. However, after his family in India came forward, the Embassy worked with the local government to exhume his remains, which were then sent to his family in July 2023 for proper cremation according to their religious customs.
Fostering Cultural Connections
Despite not operating any dedicated shelters in Guatemala, the Indian Embassy, which commenced operations in 2011 with limited consular services, actively engages with the Indian diaspora. Although the Indian community in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras (all under the Embassy’s jurisdiction) is relatively small, the mission regularly organizes vibrant Indian cultural programs and celebrates festivals like Diwali and Holi with the support of local organizations.
In 2023 alone, the Embassy orchestrated over 100 cultural and commercial events across Guatemala, significantly boosting India’s presence and positive image. These events were not confined to the capital but spanned various regions of the country. A highlight was the largest yoga festival ever held in Central America on June 18, 2023, attracting more than 2,000 participants.