Trump signs agreement on asylum with Guatemala

In a surprise announcement Friday, President Trump said the U.S. has signed a “Safe Third Country” agreement with Guatemala, which the White House says will allow migrants from other countries to claim asylum in Guatemala. The agreement comes after Guatemala’s Constitutional Court blocked that country’s president from declaring Guatemala a safe third country for asylum-seekers. 

The details of the agreement have yet to be released. Mr. Trump insisted Friday the U.S and Guatemala have a great relationship, despite his vocalized frustrations with the country in recent months. 

“@realDonaldTrump keeps working hard for this country – the U.S. just signed a ‘Safe Third Agreement’ w Guatemala to help secure our border. As the President works hard to solve the crisis on the southern border, I sure hope the dems enjoy their vacations!” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a tweet. 

Mr. Trump has been considering taking action related to Guatemala, as he attempts to stem migration. Mr. Trump has long expressed particular frustration with U.S. asylum laws, complaining that the laws must change and Democrats need to do more to help the cause. Friday’s announcement suggests a change of heart since Wednesday, when the president said that Guatemala had backed away from talks about a safe third country agreement. 

“We’re looking at something very severe with respect to Guatemala,” he said Wednesday, threatening to impose tariffs or “something.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.