April 11, 2022 Statements and releases Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced that former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and former U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Florida will serve as special advisors for the Ninth Summit of the Americas that will take place from June 6 through June 10 in Los Angeles, California. …

March 18, 2022 WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Los Huistas Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) and its leaders pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for drug trafficking that threatens the people and security of the United States and Guatemala. The Los Huistas DTO is the dominant criminal structure in …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON March 08, 2022 The United States is deeply concerned by Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras’ continued, brazen attacks on Guatemala’s justice system through politically motivated arrests and detentions of current and former public servants fighting corruption.  The reports of …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the availability of 20,000 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas are for U.S. employers that are facing irreparable harm without additional workers and seeking …

REF# 2022 – 03 January 14, 2022 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, January 17, to commemorate the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Embassy will re-open on Tuesday, January 18, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19.  See  here  for more information.   ###

REF# 2021 – 27 October 21, 2021 On October 21-22, Ambassador William W. Popp will travel to Petén to review U.S. investments in economic growth, health, commerce, climate change and education to support the people of Guatemala. While in Petén, Ambassador Popp will join President Giammattei and Guatemalan Government representatives along with representatives from the …

Press Statement Ned Price, Department Spokesperson October 15, 2021 The United States, through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), is providing more than $20 million in additional  assistance to help meet urgent humanitarian needs for the nearly 700,000 asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants in Central America and Mexico.  This …

Friday, October 15, 2021 The Department of Justice today announced a tip line to help assist its Anticorruption Task Force fight corruption in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, a key component of the Vice President’s work to address the root causes of migration. “As the Vice President recognized during her visit to Guatemala earlier this …

REF# 2021 – 27 October 8, 2021 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, October 11, for a U.S. Federal Holiday. The Embassy will re-open on Tuesday, October 12, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19.  See  here  for more information.   ###

REF# 2021 - 25 October 4, 2021 The Immigration Act of 1990 established the Diversity Visa (DV) program, where 55,000 immigrant visas would be available in an annual lottery, starting in fiscal year 1995.  The lottery aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, by selecting applicants mostly from countries with low rates of immigration to …

REF# 2021 – 24 September 14, 2021 In an event held at the Guatemalan School of Nurses, the United States Government thanked the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance for its collaboration in the response to COVID-19 in Guatemala and delivered a batch of more than 770 thousand specialized syringes designed for the COVID-19 vaccine.  With this donation, there are already 1,246,000 thousand syringes in Guatemala as a result of the United States’ COVID-19 support. In his speech with the Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance, Dr. Amelia Flores, the Ambassador highlighted that U.S. support has included oxygen concentrators, supplies, tents, medicines, medical equipment and technology for laboratories, as well as technical assistance at all levels of clinical care. Currently, cooperation is focused on efforts to increase vaccination in Guatemala, such as assisting in the installation of …

REF# 2021 – 23 Guatemala, September 3, 2021 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, September 6, to commemorate Labor Day. The Embassy will re-open on Tuesday, September 07, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19.  See  here  for more information. ###

PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 31, 2021 The United States joins others around the world in commemorating the first International Day for People of African Descent.  This day was created to promote the extraordinary contributions of Africans and members of the African diaspora around the world and is an opportunity to …

REF# 2021 - 22 August 27, 2021 Due to ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala regretfully announces the rescheduling of nonimmigrant visa appointments scheduled between September 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022.  The safety and security of all visa applicants and staff remains a top priority.  This change comes as the result of our continued …

August 26, 2021 On behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense, I express my deepest condolences to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and wounded in Kabul today. Terrorists took their lives at the very moment these troops were trying to save the lives of others. We mourn …

Release Date: August 24, 2021 The Department of Homeland Security respectfully disagrees with the district court’s decision and regrets that the Supreme Court declined to issue a stay.  DHS has appealed the district court’s order and will continue to vigorously challenge it.  As the appeal process continues, however, DHS will comply with the order in …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON AUGUST 18, 2021 This statement has been co-signed by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, European Union, Honduras, Guatemala, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Senegal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  Begin Text: We are deeply worried about …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON August 15, 2021 The below reflects the list of signatory countries as of August 16. The following is the text of a joint statement on Afghanistan released by the following: Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, …

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State August 4, 2021 The United States is launching a new visa restriction authority as part of our effort to help the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador improve their political, economic, and security conditions.  Too often, such improvements run up against the obstacles of corruption and …

Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State July 26, 2021 Beginning on July 11, tens of thousands of Cubans across the island took to the streets to  peacefully demand their fundamental freedoms and a better future.  The Cuban government responded with violence. Today, democracies around the world are  coming together  to support the Cuban people, calling …

The U.S. Embassy will be closed on Monday, July 5 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, July 5, to commemorate Independence Day of the United States. The Embassy will re-open on Tuesday, July 06, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19.  See  here  for more …

06 June, 2021 Moderator: good evening. On behalf of the United States Embassy in Guatemala and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), I warmly welcome you to this press conference which aims to summarize Administrator Samantha Power’s visit to Guatemala. To begin with, I give the floor to the Ambassador of the United …

REF# 2021 – 14 June 17, 2021 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Friday, June 18, to commemorate Juneteenth Independence Day. The Embassy will re-open on Monday, June 21, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19.  See here for more information. ###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON June 17, 2021 Today, we are announcing the public designation of Guatemalan Congressperson Boris España Cáceres, due to his involvement in significant corruption. In his official capacity, España has been involved in corrupt acts, including bribery and interfering with …

Transcript Administrator Samantha Power Thanks to all of you, I apologize [to be he here a little late] to get started, we were having very important discussions, I hope, with the President of this country I have the chance to convey just how important is US and Guatemala relationship […] to the Biden-Harris Administration [and …

OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON Begin Text: The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration have been making progress toward reinstituting and improving the Central American Minors (CAM) program since our agencies launched the first phase of its reopening on March 10.  As part of this focus on …

Office of Press Relations I welcome the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to allocate an additional 6,000 H-2B temporary guest worker visas for nationals from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador for 2021. This expands legal pathways for protection and opportunity for the workers of these countries, while helping address critical temporary labor needs in the United …

REF# 2021 - 12 May 17, 2021 The United States 12th Air Force (Air Force Southern, or AFSOUTH) will be leading U.S. Southern Command’s upcoming exercise in Guatemala – this exercise will provide joint training and improve readiness of U.S. and Guatemalan civil engineers, medical professionals and support personnel in humanitarian assistance techniques from May until August 2021. …

Mister Foreign Minister, thank you very much. A tremendous greeting to everyone. It is an honor and a pleasure to be here with you, and I want to thank you. I was just telling the Foreign Minister that never, in so many years of diplomatic work, have I been in a country and met more …

REF# 2021 - 10 March 16, 2021 The United States supports the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) through the MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation) Threshold Program, which seeks to improve access to quality and relevant secondary education to help Guatemalan high school graduates obtain better jobs by developing new curricula in information technology, auto mechanics, and tourism and hospitality. The MCC Threshold Program funded the design of six new high school technical degree programs.  The process included consultations …

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Press Statement March 8, 2021 Every year on March 8th, the United States joins the world in recognizing International Women’s Day by celebrating the leadership, strength, and courage of women and girls. The United States recognizes the reality that the equitable participation of women in social, political, and economic life is critical …

Notice to the Press Office of the Spokesperson March 4, 2021 Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Host Virtual Award Ceremony Featuring Special Remarks by the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden On Monday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. EST, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) …

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State March,1st. 2021 Today, we mark the 60th anniversary of the United States Peace Corps and celebrate the volunteers and staff who have served in communities around the world, representing American values and ideals.  Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps showcases America at its best …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson February 23, 2021 Honoring Anticorruption Champions Around the world, corruption threatens security and stability, hinders economic growth, undermines democracy and human rights, destroys trust in public institutions, facilitates transnational crime, and siphons away public and private resources.  The Biden Administration recognizes that we will only be successful …

READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 17, 2021 The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary Antony J. Blinken spoke with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo today. Secretary Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to addressing the structural problems that trigger irregular migration – endemic corruption and impunity, lack of economic opportunity, and insecurity – and our countries’ shared …

REF# 2021 – 6 February 12, 2020 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, February 15, to commemorate Presidents’ Day. The Embassy will re-open on Tuesday, February 16, with limited emergency services, due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19. See here for more information.   ###

February 11, 2021 Contact: icemedia@ice.dhs.gov GUATEMALA CITY—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials traveled to Guatemala City, Feb. 3, to renew and expand the partnership with the Government of Guatemala to share fugitive and criminal history information, including convictions and gang affiliations. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Assistant Director for Enforcement, Chris Cronen, took part …

REF# 2020 – 42 December 23, 2020 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25. The Embassy will re-open on Monday, December 28, with limited emergency services due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19 See here for more information.

OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON Media Note August 14, 2020 The text of the following declaration was released by several members of the Lima Group, the International Contact Group, the European Union, the United States, and others. Begin text: We, a group of concerned countries including members of the Lima Group, the International Contact Group, the European Union, the United States, …

United States Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan Southern District of Florida August 5, 2020 Former Guatemalan Official Who Used Drug Trafficking Proceeds and Other Dirty Cash to Bribe Corrupt Politicians Charged in Miami Federal Court Miami, Fl. — South Florida federal prosecutors have charged a former Economics Minister of Guatemala, Asisclo Valladares Urruela, 44, with helping to …

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020 WWW.JUSTICE.GOV The Operation is a coordinated effort to dismantle and destroy MS-13 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General William P. Barr announced significant cases related to Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), an initiative launched in August 2019 aimed at disrupting, dismantling, and ultimately, destroying MS-13.  President Trump …

REF# 2020 – 21 July 2, 2020 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of the United States Independence Day. The Embassy will re-open on Monday, July 6, with limited emergency services due to public health restrictions stemming from COVID-19: See  here  for information on American Citizen Services. See  here  for …

Telephonic Press Briefing with Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Acting Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Mark A. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection   June 29, 2020 Moderator:  Greetings to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Media Hub of the Americas in Miami, …

REF# 2020 – 19 June 12, 2020 The killing of Tata Domingo Choc Chen, a renowned expert on Maya Q’eqchi’ medicine, is a tragic reminder of the pervasive violence that continues to impact Indigenous Peoples across Guatemala.  We echo President Giammattei’s call for the Public Ministry to bring those responsible to justice, and understand that Guatemalan authorities have arrested …

REF# 2020 – 18 June 11, 2020 The U.S. Government is providing an additional $15 million in foreign assistance for Guatemala to slow the spread of COVID-19 and address rising food insecurity. The Department of State announced that Guatemala will receive $6 million in International Disaster Assistance funds to rapidly address critical gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene …

April 3, 2020 Guatemala City The Department of State has announced that it will provide funding to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to supply Guatemala, along with dozens of other countries, with equipment to help combat COVID-19. Guatemala will receive COVID-19 testing kits capable of processing at least 2,000 samples, as well as personal …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON DECEMBER 11, 2019 The U.S. government will officially launch the expanded Growth in the Americas (América Crece) initiative on December 17 in Washington, D.C.  Growth in the Americas is a whole-of-government initiative that will foster private sector infrastructure investment in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Expanded bilateral cooperation between the United States and countries in the region will …

U.S. Department of State Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State December 10, 2019 In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to identify common rights and freedoms for all people in all nations. An American, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, chaired the UN Human Rights Commission that drafted …

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson  STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO December 3, 2019 The Department of State designates former Guatemalan Minister of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing Alejandro Sinibaldi due to his involvement in significant corruption. Mr. Sinibaldi engaged in and benefitted from public corruption in relation to his official duties and …

REF# 2019-27 November 27, 2019 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Thursday, November 28, to commemorate Thanksgiving Day.   The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Friday, November 28.

U.S Department of the Treasury Press Releases June 4, 2019 WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) unveiled amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to further implement the President’s foreign policy on Cuba. These amendments complement changes to the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and …

May 28, 2019 WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan is in Guatemala this week to participate in bilateral and multilateral meetings with government officials representing Northern Triangle countries, local civic and indigenous leaders, non-governmental organizations, and U.S. private sector and Guatemalan business leaders. The meetings will highlight the …

Attempted to enter Meskwaki Casino using fraudulent identification Tuesday, March 12, 2019 A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to almost four months in federal prison. Victor Morales-Suar, age 42, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Marshalltown, Iowa, received the …

REF# 2019-3 January 27, 2018 The United States Embassy in Guatemala has resumed full operations effective today, January 28, 2019. ###

Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Department of State The United States, in partnership with the government of Mexico, is committed to promoting a safer and more prosperous Central America by enhancing security, governance, and economic prosperity that can create greater opportunities and benefits for the people of the region and help us jointly address the …

REF# 2018-57 December 4, 2018 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in remembrance of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush.  Visa appointments for this day have been rescheduled.  For additional instructions about rescheduling a visa appointment, please check your email or contact the consular services helpline …

REF# 2018-55 21 de noviembre de 2018 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Thursday, November 22, to commemorate Thanksgiving Day. The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Friday, November 23.

REF# 2018-54 November 9, 2018 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, November 12, to commemorated Veteran’s Day. The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Tuesday, November 13.

REF# 2018-50 October 5, 2018 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Monday, October 8, in honor of U.S. Columbus Day. The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Tuesday, October 9

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 25, 2018 Today, the United States imposed sanctions on four current or former officials of the Government of Venezuela: First Lady and Former Attorney General Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, Executive Vice President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, Minister of Communication and Information Jorge Jesus Rodriguez Gomez, …

Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 6, 2018 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎ Secretary Michael R. Pompeo called Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales today. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for Guatemalan sovereignty. They discussed the importance of continuing our cooperation in the fight against corruption and impunity and the …

REF# 2018-45 Since 2013 the United States Government has donated 148 Jeep J8 vehicles to the Government of Guatemala. These vehicles were donated for law enforcement use by the Interagency Task Forces Tecun Uman, Chorti, and Xinca for the purpose of combatting criminal activity and narcotics trafficking, with a focus on Guatemala’s borders. Several of …

REF# 2018-44 The United States is aware of the Guatemalan Government’s decision not to renew the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala’s (CICIG) mandate to operate in Guatemala.  As many senior U.S. officials have stated, we believe that CICIG is an effective and important partner in fighting impunity, improving governance, and holding the corrupt accountable …

The White House Office of the Press Secretary The United States strongly condemns the ongoing violence in Nicaragua and human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime in response to protests. After years of fraudulent elections and the regime’s manipulation of Nicaraguan law – as well as the suppression of civil society, opposition parties, and independent …

REF#2018-40 July 27, 2018 The State Department released an update on July 27 to its Travel Advisory for Guatemala originally published on January 10, 2018.  The updated Advisory lowered the Advisory level for Guatemala from a Level 3 to a Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.  The State Department also recommends U.S. citizens …

REF#2018-36 July 3, 2018 The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, in honor of U.S. Independence Day. The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Thursday, July 5th.

REF# 2018-34 June 13, 2018 In response to the recent killings of human rights defenders in Guatemala, the Embassy of the United States of America strongly condemns this wave of violence, particularly attacks targeting campesino leaders. We reaffirm the valuable work of human rights defenders, who are at the forefront of the struggle for a …

Statement By Heather Nauert, Spokesperson U.S. Department Of State On June 11, 2018, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Panama, the United States extradited the former President of Panama Ricardo Martinelli to face criminal charges in Panama. Mr. Martinelli was arrested in Miami on June 12, 2017 …

REF# 2018-32 June 6, 2018 The United States is supporting the Government of Guatemala’s response to the devastation caused by the June 3 eruption of the Fuego volcano by providing an initial $300,000 in immediate humanitarian assistance. With this support, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) is working …

REF# 2018-33 June 6, 2018 On the night of June 6th a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport lifted off from Aurora airport carrying six gravely injured children, including one pair of siblings.  The children, all of whom were seriously burned during the Fuego Volcano eruption on June 3, are on their way to the Shriners …

U.S. Department of Treasury Public Affairs Office Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated ten current or former Venezuelan government officials pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692.  These individuals are associated with undermining electoral processes, media censorship, or corruption in government-administered food programs in Venezuela.  This designation …

The U.S. Embassy, including the Consular Section, will be closed on Friday, November 10, in honor of Veterans Day. The mission, including all agencies of the U.S. government represented in Guatemala, will resume their regular activities on Monday, November 13.

U.S. State Department Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert The United States condemns the Maduro regime’s increasing disrespect for democracy and fundamental human rights in Venezuela. By attempting to strip the democratically elected National Assembly’s Vice President and opposition leader Freddy Guevara of his parliamentary immunity and barring him from leaving the country, the regime is pursuing yet …

Department of Homeland Security Office of the Press Secretary WASHINGTON— Today, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke announced her decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nicaragua with a delayed effective date of 12 months to allow for an orderly transition before the designation terminates on January 5, 2019. She also …

Heather Nauert U.S. State Department Spokesperson November 2, 2017 Around the world, journalists work often at great personal risk to report on issues that impact the lives of individuals in all societies. They shine a light on abuses and corruption, expose threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, and counter disinformation and propaganda that spread false …