Washington DC - President Donald Trump's administration has been deporting Mexican migrants to countries such as Guatemala and Honduras despite Mexico City's willingness to accept the return of its citizens.
A new report by CBS News reveals that the Department of Homeland Security have flying migrants around Mexican territory and into third countries in Central America as a punishment for crossing the border.
According to sources, the policy is meant to deter border crossings by showing that many are being left stranded in random countries far from their homes.
CBS was unable to clarify an exact number of Mexican nationals who have been deported to Honduras and Guatemala in particular, but believes the numbers are in the hundreds and the practice has continued for months.
"The Government of Mexico accepts the return of all its nationals," Mexico's foreign ministry told CBS News. "It therefore rejects the deportation of Mexican nationals to third countries and has no such agreement in place."
"Mexico consistently takes the steps necessary to ensure the safe and dignified return of all its nationals to national territory."
Meanwhile, the DHS justified the practice in a statement, saying that Trump "is utilizing all lawful options to carry out the largest deportation operation in history."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly found herself at odds with Trump since he reentered office, particularly over his treatment of Mexico's citizens.
In July, she sought criminal charges against US immigration authorities after yet another Mexican national died in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bringing the total to 17 dead.
"We have a relationship in terms of trade, we have a relationship on security, but we must raise our voices when there are human rights violations against our fellow citizens," Sheinbaum declared.