_{FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE}

_{September 4, 2024}

_CONTACT:

_{Yanci Nuñez | ynunez@alianzaamericas.org (312) 866-0312}

Alianza Americas, a network of organizations led by Latin American and Caribbean migrants in the United States, expresses its grave concern over the recent termination of the extradition treaty between Honduras and the United States, announced by President Xiomara Castro. Although this measure is presented as an act of sovereignty, we warn about the dangers that this decision implies for justice and the fight against drug trafficking, as it opens the door to impunity for those involved in illicit and criminal activities. Honduran migrants in the United States demand more decisive actions to safeguard the security and rights of citizens, both in Honduras and abroad.

“Xiomara Castro's government is failing its people. The cancellation of the extradition treaty not only protects criminals but also increases impunity, insecurity, and the hopelessness that forces many people to flee Honduras and seek refuge in the United States,” said Karen Blanco of Casa Yurumein in New York. “One risk of ending the extradition agreement with the United States is that such a decision could lead to further political instability, including a worsening of the security of Honduran citizens, which could further accentuate the economic, social, and political factors that continue to force so many Hondurans to flee in search of support and protection abroad,” concluded Blanco.

“The economic, social, and political reality in Honduras today continues to deny basic welfare rights to much of the Honduran population. Yet the Biden administration continues to deport migrants from Honduras despite this reality,” stated Leticia Casildo, Executive Director of Familias Unidas en Acción in New Orleans. “August marked a 21% increase in flights of Honduran deportees over July of this year. In light of the cancellation of the extradition agreement with the U.S., the national reality of Honduras will continue to deteriorate, making the continuation of deportations ethically outrageous,” Casildo added. “The U.S. government can protect Honduran migrants by granting a new TPS designation that ensures immigration protection and the right to work with authorization for Honduran nationals who register. Therefore, we urge the Biden administration to once again protect Honduran migrants already residing in the U.S.,” concluded Casildo.

“A new TPS designation for Hondurans living in the U.S. would benefit thousands of Garifuna, Afro-Central American people,” added Mirtha Colón, a Garifuna leader in New York City and President of the Central American Black Organization (CABO). “Garifuna and other Afro-Honduran people have always been social sectors affected by the crises that periodically affect Honduras, which could worsen as a result of the end of the extradition agreement,” added Colón. “It is urgent that the Biden administration summon the courage and determination to re-designate Hondurans as TPS beneficiaries. 

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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable way of life for communities in North, Central, and South America.

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