Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security released the agreement text, including July diplomatic notes, with formal publication planned in the U.S. Federal Register.
- Ecuadorian officials say they are reviewing the document and have not formally accepted, and the text specifies it will take effect only after Quito sends its response.
- Both governments retain sole discretion over proposed transfers, and implementation is conditioned on available funds and technical capacity with operational procedures to be set later.
- The accord excludes unaccompanied minors and commits Ecuador not to return transferees until a final decision on any pending protection claim is reached.
- Ecuador has previously signaled a limited program of up to 300 people per year focused on certain nationalities, following similar recent U.S. arrangements with Paraguay and Belize and earlier regional precedents.