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Original Date Announced
October 20, 2025The government of Belize announced that it has signed a safe third country agreement with the United States. The text of the agreement has not been released publicly, but the Associated Press reports that it "appears to be similar to one with Paraguay announced by the U.S. State Department in August." The Belize government's press release stated that the country is committed "to international law and humanitarian principles while ensuring strong national safeguards" and that the government "retains an absolute veto over transfers, with restrictions on nationalities, a cap on transferees, and comprehensive security screenings." The agreement, which has faced criticism from politicians in Belize, will only take effect if ratified by Belize's senate.
Third Country Deportation Watch provides detailed updates on this agreement.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2132]
2025.10.20 Belize PR 198-25 - Belize Signs Safe Third Countries Agreement with United StatesSubsequent Trump and Court Action
March 12, 20262026.03.12 DHS - Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Belize for Cooperation Regarding the Examination of Protection Requests
DHS published the safe third country agreement described above. Under the agreement, the United States may propose the transfer of "Protection Applicants" (defined as citizens or nationals of Central American countries excluding Guatemala, or Caribbean Community member states) to Belize. Belize maintains the discretion to accept these individuals. The agreement explicitly prohibits the transfer of unaccompanied minors or Belizean nationals or residents. Belize agrees not to return any transferred individual to their home country or former habitual residence until a final decision is made on their protection request. The agreement states that the United States, “upon request, shall endeavor, . . . to provide financial and technical assistance to strengthen the institutional capacities of the Government of Belize.”
The agreement was signed on October 20, 2025 and will remain in effect for an initial term of two years.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Border Asylum, Withholding and CATAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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