Honduran President Xiomara Castro is ready to go up against Donald Trump over his mass deportation plans.
Earlier this week, Castro issued a stark warning to the president-elect, threatening to bar U.S. troops from Honduras if his mass expulsion plans proceed.
“Faced with a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change of our cooperation policies with the United States, especially in the military realm,” Castro said in a televised speech.
For decades, U.S. troops have been stationed at the Soto Cano air base in Comayagua, working to curb narcotics trafficking. Castro suggested that a Republican push to remove Latino immigrants would force the end of this military partnership. Trump, who has long promised mass deportations, has claimed that his policies will curb illegal immigration.
Critics of both leaders’ positions have emerged. Trump’s controversial proposals, including challenges to birthright citizenship and the detention of children, have drawn scrutiny. Meanwhile, Castro’s political opponents warned that removing U.S. troops could leave Honduras vulnerable.
“She knows we don’t have the ability to threaten the United States…the damages it would cause Honduras would be terrible,” said Olban Valladares, an analyst.
Foreign Minister Enrique Reina defended Castro, asserting that she has the authority to expel U.S. forces without Congressional approval. The Pentagon has not responded to the threat, stating it pertains to campaign rhetoric rather than policy.
I would not only deport ALL the criminals FROM THERE, BACK THERE, but tell that BIOOOOTCH we’ll be the one to decide if we stay or if we go, then I’d send a battalion of marines down to make a point.