Trump Moves to Deport 76,000 Central Americans

President Trump has announced an end to deportation protections for thousands of migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the decision in official notices released on Monday morning of July 7, 2025.

This move affects 72,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans who have lived in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since 1999.

DHS set September 6 as the official termination date for TPS protections for both nationalities.

TPS allowed migrants to live and work legally due to disasters like Hurricane Mitch, which devastated Central America in 1998.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the move, citing “improved conditions” in both countries.

She said Honduras now sees rising tourism and foreign investment, while Nicaragua boosts its renewable energy sector.

“TPS was never meant to be permanent,” Noem emphasized in her official statement.

The announcement triggered backlash from Democrats and immigration advocates across the country.

Critics say many TPS recipients have lived in the U.S. for decades and built families and careers.

Maria Chavez, an advocate in Los Angeles, said: “This will tear families apart. Many have U.S.-born children.”

The Trump administration has long targeted TPS protections as part of its stricter immigration policy.

Earlier, it attempted to revoke TPS for Haitians, Venezuelans, Afghans, and Cameroonians.

Federal courts blocked several revocations during Trump’s first presidential term.

The Biden administration had renewed TPS for both countries in 2023, citing ongoing instability.

The State Department still warns Americans against traveling to Honduras and Nicaragua due to safety concerns.

Nicaragua faces accusations of authoritarianism under President Daniel Ortega, including arrests of political opponents.

Honduras declared a state of emergency last year to fight gang violence and criminal activities.

Both nations continue to struggle with poverty, corruption, and human rights issues.

TPS does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship in the U.S.

Legal challenges to the new policy are expected from civil rights groups and immigration attorneys.

Thousands now face uncertainty, despite decades of living and working legally in the United States.

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