US Vice-President Kamala Harris thanked Alejandro Giammattei, the president of Guatemala for monitoring the borders during a telephone call to discuss the surge in Central Americans trying to cross the borders. 

Appointed by US President Joe Biden last week to work with Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador to find and address the main reason behind the increased migration, Harris highlighted Giammattei’s efforts to “secure Guatemala’s southern border,” as per a statement by the White House. 

Also Read: On US-Mexico border, a revolving door for many migrants

The Vice-President and Giammattei discussed the risks of “making the dangerous journey to the United States, especially during a global pandemic,” and agreed to work together to “expand opportunity for people in their home countries.”  

According to the statement, “They agreed to explore innovative opportunities to create jobs and to improve the conditions for all people in Guatemala and the region, including by promoting transparency and combating crime.”

Harris “reaffirmed” the Biden administration’s promise of “expanding partnerships to benefit the people of the region,” as per the VP’s office. 

Also Read: VP Kamala Harris to take charge of US efforts to handle migrant influx

Over the weekend, Mexico and Guatemala launched a joint police and military operation to prevent migrants from reaching the US. 

In spite of these efforts, a minimum of  300 Hondurans departed in a new caravan for the US border on Tuesday. More than a dozen caravans have left Honduras since 2018 to head North. 

Most of the migrants say they are fleeing violence and poverty in their countries, a situation that worsened in 2020 after two devastating hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, reported AFP. 

In a 28% increase since January, around 100,000 people were apprehended in February. This included 9,500 unaccompanied minors. 

A 20-year high in migration is anticipated by the Biden administration.