The United States National Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported on Thursday, June 26 about the signing of a memorandum with the Minister of the Interior, Francisco Jiménez, for Strengthen safety in airports and ports in Guatemala. Noem had indicated to international media that it was an agreement to Third Safe Country; However, a week later, the Ministry of the Interior (Mingob) made the document public and ruled out that Guatemala has accepted that condition.
The memorandum indicates that the objective is to establish the joint security program in Guatemala to strengthen bilateral border security cooperation, especially in airports and ports, through the exchange of information and best practices to detect travelers linked to criminal or terrorist organizations.
He adds that the purpose is to prevent the entry or exit of people representing threats to the National Security of the United States or Guatemala.
Principles and criteria
In addition, the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) is expected to assign officers at the La Aurora International Airport, in coordination with the Mingob, with the purpose of implementing the program in a coherent way, “with independent operational procedures that the participants determinate before starting the operations”.
The brief indicates that the operations will be carried out under the direction and supervision of the US Mission Chief. In Guatemala, of the Immigration Advisory Program (IAP), and in coordination with the National Civil Police (PNC).
The memorandum details that the Mingob is expected to request authorization from the corresponding Guatemalan authorities to access operational areas in the program locations, for example, access to restricted areas in airports, so that CBP officers can comply with their obligations.
He adds that it is mandatory that each participant grants confidentiality to the information received.
“The present memo is not intended to exclude the use or dissemination of information to the extent that there is the obligation to do so, in accordance with the laws of the receiving participant,” he explains.
CBP responsibilities
The document details that the CBP will provide technical assistance to identify high -risk travelers, train Mingob staff in identification processes, provide information and good practices to improve migratory decisions and collaborate in the creation of operational procedures.
Mingob responsibilities
In order to implement the joint security program in Guatemala, the Mingob is expected to request the necessary authorizations for the access of personnel to the operating areas.
Also, “as far as possible,” a space will be managed to park the private vehicles assigned to the CBP officers of the program.
Can the agreement be completed with the US?
The document indicates that the CBP may request privileges and diplomatic immunities for its officials. In addition, each country will assume its own costs.
“The present memo represents an understanding among the participants and does not constitute a legally binding agreement,” he explains.
It indicates that the brief can be modified by mutual decision and in writing of the participants, and the cooperation may be interrupted at any time, prior written notification with a minimum in advance of six months.
Here is the agreement signed between Guatemala and the United States.