Honduran President Threatens U.S. Military Presence Over Deportation Concerns

Honduras is cutting ties with the U.S. military, stating bases could "lose all reason to exist" if mass deportations of its citizens occur, as President Xiomara Castro responds to prospective policy shifts from President-elect Donald J. Trump.

In a stirring address broadcast on radio and television, Honduran President Xiomara Castro has issued a strong warning against the possibility of U.S. military forces being able to operate freely within Honduras. This declaration comes in reaction to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s proposed mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, many of whom are individuals from Central America, including Honduras.

President Castro's comments represent a significant diplomatic stance, marking the first public opposition from a political leader in the region regarding Trump's controversial immigration policies. She asserted that the continued presence of U.S. military bases, including the Soto Cano Air Base, would be re-evaluated should the deportations proceed. During her address, she stated, “Faced with a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change in our policies of cooperation with the United States, especially in the military arena.”

Adding to the peacemaking dialogue, Castro mentioned the collaboration efforts with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has called a meeting of foreign ministers later this month to strategize on how to address the looming deportation issues together.

Honduras has historically hosted U.S. military installations without financial compensation, generating sentiments within the Honduran government that the continued U.S. military presence could be unjustifiable if it results in widespread deportations.

Following the President’s address, Honduras's Foreign Minister, Enrique Reina, confirmed that the nation's leader possesses the authority to suspend military agreements with the U.S. without needing Congress's approval, which may pave the way for significant geopolitical shifts in the Central American region in response to the Biden-Trump immigration debate.