TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Recent statements made by President Xiomara Castro have stirred considerable political debate within Honduras amid her warnings regarding future cooperation with the U.S. military. Castro’s remarks come in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions to implement mass deportations, which she asserts could lead to a reevaluation of military relations with the United States.
During her New Year’s Day address, broadcast on national television, Castro emphasized the potential repercussions of Trump’s deportation plans. She expressed that if large-scale expulsions of Hondurans were to take place, the nation would have to reconsider its military cooperation policies with the U.S. “In light of the hostile stance regarding the mass removal of our fellow citizens, we might have no choice but to reassess our collaboration with the United States, particularly in military matters,” Castro stated.
The president further highlighted that the U.S. has had an enduring military presence in Honduras for many years without any payment in return. She argued that should mass deportations occur, the rationale for the U.S. military’s presence would no longer apply. Castro also indicated her hope that the incoming Trump administration would engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to antagonism.
This response from Honduras is part of a broader reaction in the region to Trump’s early declarations. For instance, Trump’s remarks about imposing tariffs on Mexico if it did not enhance efforts to curtail illegal immigration and drug trafficking received a counter-suggestion of similar tariffs from Mexican authorities. Additionally, Trump’s comments about the Panama Canal, hinting at reclaiming it, prompted a firm rejection from Panama’s president.
The principal U.S. military installation in Honduras is Soto Cano Air Base, located just outside the capital. Although it is classified as a Honduran facility, the U.S. has maintained a significant operational presence there since 1983, using it as a crucial base for humanitarian and anti-drug initiatives across Central America. The base houses Joint Task Force Bravo, which the U.S. Department of Defense describes as a “temporary but indefinite” military presence.
The U.S. Department of Defense has refrained from commenting on the situation, clarifying that it is related to campaign promises rather than established policy. Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Honduras did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding Castro’s statements.
In contrast, members of Castro’s political opposition have swiftly criticized her comments. Jorge Cálix, an anticipated candidate for the Liberal Party in the upcoming November elections, asserted that Castro’s stance has placed Honduras “in grave danger” due to her personal and ideological motives. Political analyst Olban Valladares, who is also considering a candidacy for the Innovation and Unity Party, dismissed Castro’s threats, stating, “She understands that we lack any genuine leverage against the United States, and the potential fallout would be devastating for Honduras.” He noted that such threats might exacerbate the situation for Honduran migrants, making them more vulnerable under the Trump administration.