Updated Jun 6, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Kamala Harris arrives in Guatemala for first foreign trip as VP

Ivana Saric

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greets next to Foreign Minister of Guatemala Pedro Brolo after her arrival at the La Aurora airport on June 06, 2021 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meeting with Foreign Minister of Guatemala Pedro Brolo after her arrival at the La Aurora airport in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on Sunday. Photo: Josue Decavele/Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Guatemala Sunday, after a technical issue forced her first plane to return to Joint Base Andrews some 30 minutes into her first international trip since taking office, per White House pool reports.

Why it matters: Harris is touring Guatemala and Mexico as part of the Biden administration's efforts to address the surge of migration into the U.S. from the Southern border.

The big picture: The plane's technical issue involved "no major safety concerns" and the plane landed safely at the base, Harris' spokesperson Symone Sanders told reporters.

Passengers later boarded the back-up C32 plane, "which is an Air Force Boeing modified 757," Sanders said.
The plane took off some 90 minutes later, according to AP. Harris arrived at Guatemala City's international airport Sunday evening, where she was greeted by Foreign Affairs Minister Pedro Brolo and U.S. ambassador to Guatemala, William Popp.

What they're saying: "I’m good, I’m good. We all said a little prayer, but we're good," said Harris after the plane incident, per AP.

Go deeper: Harris heads to Guatemala, Mexico on first foreign trip

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of the plane switch and Harris continuing her the flight.

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Kamala Harris arrives in Guatemala for first foreign trip as VP

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