IRTF News

Over the last 12 months, there have been 1,482 ICE removal flights, mostly to Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, there is a focus on removal flights to countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, raising concerns about the impact on individuals' rights and well-being. Three-quarters of removal flights are to those three countries. 

The lack of access to asylum at ports of entry has led to distressing situations for asylum seekers. US lawmakers are considering stricter restrictions on asylum, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The need for improving access to asylum and addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers, especially women and children, is crucial. 

Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .

A Salvadoran woman, identified as Lilian, has been released from prison after more than seven years, where she was serving a 30-year sentence for having an abortion. Lilian gave birth to a baby in 2015, who suffered health complications and died three days later. El Salvador has a strict anti-abortion law with a total ban, and Lilian was accused of negligence and aggravated murder for allegedly not taking care of the fetus. Lilian, who maintained her innocence, was released based on her vulnerable situation in the hospital. The country's abortion ban, in place since 1998, does not have exemptions for cases of rape or health risks for the mother. Campaign groups continue to advocate for women's reproductive rights, emphasizing the need for justice. Despite calls for change, President Nayib Bukele has no intention of altering the current abortion law, reflecting the influence of the predominantly Roman Catholic and Evangelical population in the country.

Former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei has been barred from entering the U.S. due to allegations of significant corruption. The U.S. State Department cites credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes during his tenure as president of Guatemala, undermining the rule of law and government transparency. Giammattei faced criticism for not reviving a U.N.-backed anti-corruption watchdog and clashed with the U.S. over efforts to curb graft. He was replaced by anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arevalo, who was sworn in after a chaotic inauguration. Arevalo emphasizes democracy advocacy and aims to reshape Guatemala's political landscape. Giammattei has not commented on the allegations.

On January 14, 2024, Guatemala marks the beginning of its second Democratic Spring as a genuinely democratic government takes power, only the third time in the country's history. The first democratic government emerged in 1944, followed by a U.S. military coup in 1954 that ended it. Rights Action acknowledges the efforts of prosecutors, judges, lawyers, and Congress members resisting systemic corruption. The Semilla Party and newly inaugurated President Bernardo Arevalo and VP Karin Herrera receive thanks and respect. The Guatemalan people, particularly the Mayan indigenous population, endured 60 years of repression, corruption, exploitation, and violence. Sustained protests in the past six months played a crucial role in ensuring the lawful transition of power. Rights Action pledges continued support for indigenous and campesino communities in their struggles for land, rights, and environmental defense. The focus includes truth, memory, and justice work, as well as empowering indigenous Ancestral Councils as watchdogs in the new Democratic Spring.

Bernardo Arévalo, an anticorruption crusader, has been inaugurated as Guatemala's president amid resistance from opponents in the government. Despite delays and challenges, Arévalo, considered Guatemala's most progressive head of state since the 1980s, took office after international outcry and pressure from protesters. He faces a power struggle with conservative prosecutors, Congress members, and political figures who have weakened governing institutions. Arévalo's opponents aim to limit his budget for healthcare and education. The U.S. and other leaders support Arévalo, while tensions highlight Guatemala's history of political interference and exclusion of Indigenous groups.

The Colombian government has extended a cease-fire with the FARC-EMC rebel group until July 15. The cease-fire, part of peace talks in Bogota, requires the rebels to cease attacks on civilians in areas under their control. The FARC-EMC splinter group, not part of the 2016 peace deal, has around 3,500 fighters. Despite previous cease-fires, critics argue that rebel groups continue recruiting, extorting, and kidnapping civilians. The new cease-fire also prohibits threats to community leaders and restrictions on villagers' movements. Talks may address economic projects for rural transformation and sustainable development to combat deforestation.

Nicaraguan authorities released 19 clergymen, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, a prominent government critic, and handed them over to the Vatican. Bishop Álvarez had been convicted of treason and sentenced to 26 years in prison. The release followed Pope Francis' New Year's Day address expressing concern about the attacks on the church in Nicaragua. The government expressed gratitude to the Pope for coordinating the release. President Daniel Ortega's regime has targeted opposition leaders, dissidents, and the Catholic Church. Over 782 acts of aggression against the Church have been documented since 2018, including physical assaults on priests. The recent releases involve priests praying for Bishop Álvarez and follow a pattern of clergy persecution in Nicaragua. While the release is positive, critics condemn the government for forcing religious leaders into exile. Bishop Álvarez gained prominence as a critic during the 2018 government crackdown on protests.