Migration X-ray: May in Latin America

Key Developments Regarding the Trump Administration

On U.S. migration policies, at the start of May, a federal court ordered the U.S. Government to immediately resume processing and support for the resettlement of about 12,000 refugees who had been approved before January 20. This order responds to a lawsuit challenging the suspension of the Refugee Admissions Program and the funding cuts to humanitarian agencies.

On May 19, the Trump Administration carried out the first flight of its “Return Home” program, with 64 migrants voluntarily returning to their countries of origin. Of these, 38 were Hondurans and 26 Colombians, departing from Houston, Texas. The project offers migrants the choice to “leave the U.S. voluntarily, with federal support and financial assistance, or remain and face the consequences.” With this measure, the Trump Administration aims to speed up expulsions at a much lower cost than traditional deportation flights.

During May 2025, Colombia’s Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia announced that the government had funded humanitarian flights to repatriate over 2,200 citizens deported from the U.S., despite budgetary constraints. Thanks to the efforts of the Colombian Air Force, 22 flights were managed—two per week—under the direct instruction of President Gustavo Petro.

Intensification of Border Controls in Peru

In Peru, it was reported that during the first quarter of 2025, the Superintendence of Migration conducted 1,555 operations, issuing 2,325 exit and expulsion orders for foreign nationals. These actions, coordinated with the National Police, involved the use of real-time interconnected electronic tablets to detect irregular migration situations. A highlight was the inauguration of the Tinicachi Border Control Post in Puno as part of efforts to reinforce the border with Bolivia. Thus, the government reaffirmed its commitment to safe migration and combating transnational organized crime.

Migration Persecution Against Nicaraguan Opposition

In a related matter, it is noteworthy that between January and May 2025, Nicaraguan authorities prevented more than 3,000 citizens from returning to their country—a practice the UN Group of Human Rights Experts deems a violation of international law and a potential crime against humanity. The UN report highlights how the authorities deny identity documents, unjustifiably report passports as stolen, and block essential certificates. They also inform foreign authorities that visas are invalid, leading to detentions and restrictions at airports. These tactics, which Reed Brody describes as “some of the government’s cruelest,” aim to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.

Humanitarian Crisis and Mass Returns in Haiti

Meanwhile, Claudia Nicoletti from UNHCR’s Interagency Coordination Office expressed deep concern over the approximately 55,000 returns to Haiti, mainly from the Dominican Republic. She also emphasized the severe structural violence in Haiti that forces thousands to flee, underscoring the responsibility of all states to address this humanitarian crisis and seek effective solutions.

Other Key Migration Context Data

At the Joint Meeting of Regional Protection Sectors held on May 19, 2025, data was presented based on a sample of 479 surveys conducted with adult migrants in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. Of this sample, 60% were Venezuelans, with Colombians and Ecuadorians also represented.

Regarding the need to identify risks faced by migrants, the following key findings were highlighted: the percentage of people stranded in Central America rose significantly, from 50% to 75%. This increase reflects greater exposure to vulnerabilities such as theft, extortion, and arbitrary detention, areas where information remains limited. Concern was also expressed over the limited capacity of shelters in Mexico, which were designed for short stays but now face a constant flow of people cycling through them, hindering their proper functioning.

Additionally, it was determined that migration through the Darién region remains active, though at a smaller scale, with migrants facing severe risks such as violence and extortion. In this context, it was noted that migrants are using unsafe maritime routes controlled by criminals, increasing the danger of shipwrecks. Furthermore, there is underreporting of arrivals due to boats evading controls in Colombia to reach destinations in Urabá, exposing migrants to multiple risks.

Finally, the survey highlighted the main risks perceived by migrants regarding returning to their countries of origin: lack of employment (39%), food scarcity (31%), and persistent insecurity and widespread violence (23%).

References

1 HIAS. (6 de mayo de 2025). Se ordena al Gobierno de EE.UU. que cumpla las órdenes judiciales en la demanda de prohibición de refugiados o se enfrentará a sanciones. https://hias.org/es/statements/u-s-government-ordered-comply-court-orders-refugee-ban-lawsuit-or-face-sanctions/

2 AP Noticias. (4 de mayo de 2025). Migraciones intensifica control fronterizo con 1,555 operativos. https://www.apnoticias.pe/peru/diario-uno/migraciones-intensifica-control-fronterizo-con-1555-operativos-1422243?utm   

3 R4V-REDLAC. (19 de mayo de 2025). Reunión Conjunta de los Sectores Regionales de Protección. 

4 France 24. (20 de mayo de 2025). Migrantes de Honduras y Colombia regresan a sus países en primer vuelo de "autodeportados" de Trump. https://www.france24.com/es/ee-uu-y-canad%C3%A1/20250520-migrantes-de-honduras-y-colombia-regresan-a-sus-pa%C3%ADses-en-primer-vuelo-de-autodeportados-de-trump 

5 El País. (8 de mayo de 2025). “Hemos hecho malabares financieros”: Laura Sarabia sobre vuelos humanitarios desde EE. UU. https://www.elpais.com.co/colombia/hemos-hecho-malabares-financieros-laura-sarabia-sobre-vuelos-humanitarios-desde-ee-uu-0808.html 

6 El País. (3 de junio de 2025).  La persecución de los ‘apátridas de facto’ de Nicaragua: la última frontera de la represión de Ortega y Murillo. https://elpais.com/america/2025-06-03/la-persecucion-de-los-apatridas-de-facto-de-nicaragua-la-ultima-frontera-de-la-represion-de-ortega-y-murillo.html