For over a year, Elías Padilla had been saving to journey from Honduras to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. Working as an Uber driver in Tegucigalpa, it hasn't been easy to put aside money, with bad days yielding only $12 for 12 hours of work. However, his plans are now on hold due to the images of undocumented immigrants being deported by ICE agents in the U.S. These scenes have dissuaded many would-be emigrants from trying to travel north. Elías expresses concern over the financial prospects of moving, stating, ‘an Uber driver in the U.S. makes in an hour what I’d make in a day.’ Similarly, the threat felt by many has spurred an increase in remittances to Honduras, which rose by 26% from January to October this year compared to 2024. Even with fewer undocumented Hondurans in the U.S., remittances have surged from $9.7 billion to over $10.1 billion in just the first nine months of the year. Some, like Marcos, have gone from sending $500 a month to $300 a week, ensuring their families can afford basic necessities and save for the future amid escalating fears of ICE actions. With U.S. policies affecting both legal and illegal migration routes, many Hondurans are left weighing their options carefully, acknowledging an uncertain future yet feeling a poignant connection to their families back home.
Hondurans Send Record Remittances Amid Fears of Deportation

Hondurans Send Record Remittances Amid Fears of Deportation
In response to stricter immigration policies under President Trump, many Hondurans in the U.S. are sending more money back home than ever. This trend highlights both the fear of deportation and the economic pressures facing families in Honduras.
Hondurans living in the U.S. are increasing their remittances to families back home due to fears of deportation amid President Trump's strict immigration policies. As ICE operations intensify, many immigrants feel the urgency to send money before they risk being detained. Remittances increased by 26% this year, a lifeline for families in Honduras struggling with economic challenges.




















