Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, met with officials from Honduras to discuss efforts to discuss several issues related to border security.
Specifically, they discussed plans to stem the flow of illegal immigration, combat transnational criminal organizations in the region, and promote a prosperous Honduras. The two nations have formed a strong relationship in recent years, signing several agreements to improve border security, including the Asylum Cooperation Agreement (ACA), Border Security Arrangement (BSA), Biometrics Data Sharing Program (BDSP) Arrangement, and Temporary Agricultural, and Non-agricultural Workers Program agreement.
“When the United States began to experience a border and humanitarian crisis, Honduras was a leader in convening its neighbors to find a solution. Our partnership with Honduras is deeply rooted in the vision we share for a secure and prosperous Honduras,” Wolf said. “We remain focused on implementing the migration agreements our two countries have reached in order to continue our important progress. A secure and prosperous Honduras, with ample economic opportunities for its citizens, is a goal we all share. I look forward to continuing our work together to achieve it.”
At the meeting, Wolf attended a roundtable discussion with Honduran leaders from the private sector to communicate the benefits of these bilateral initiatives.
December marked the seventh consecutive month of declines in enforcement actions at the U.S. Southwest border, with less than 41,000 aliens encountered. That represents a 72 percent decrease since May.