U.S. sends 119 deportees from various nations to Panama
- Panama has received the first flight of deportees from the U.S., with migrants from various countries aboard.
- The U.S. government has requested Panama to act as a stopover for deportations, which are being funded through U.N. immigration agencies.
- This initiative reflects ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Panama to manage migration flows and reduce the number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap.
Panama received the first flight from the United States carrying 119 deportees of various nationalities, as part of a cooperation agreement between Panama and the Trump administration. This incident occurred in early February 2023, during a period of increasing migration pressures in Central America. The migrants aboard the flight came from countries including China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. They had been previously detained in the U.S. after crossing the border without prior criminal records. The Panamanian government plans to eventually return these individuals to their home countries. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed that the flight was the first of three planned, with a total of approximately 360 migrants expected to be sent to Panama through this initiative. Preparations were made for the migrants to be sheltered in Panama's Darien region before their repatriation. This deportation program aligns with broader initiatives aimed at reducing migration through the treacherous Darien Gap, which connects Panama to Colombia, a notable hotspot for migrants seeking to travel northward toward the United States. Recent statistics showed a significant drop in migration through the region, with a 90% decrease compared to the previous year. During discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mulino highlighted Panama's collaboration with the United States to manage migration flows effectively. The meetings also touched on other migration-related matters, including agreements with neighboring countries like Guatemala and El Salvador to facilitate the repatriation of migrants. Despite the contentious nature of U.S. demands regarding the Panama Canal, Mulino reiterated that sovereignty was not a negotiable topic. The cooperation between the U.S. and Panama in the realm of migration and deportation continues to evolve, showcasing the complexities involved in handling international migrant flows. Although the influx of migrants was considerably lower compared to the previous year, both nations remain committed to managing the situation efficiently. The Panamanian government has expressed its willingness to assist in U.S. efforts, highlighting the practicality of utilizing Panama as a transit point for deportations, thereby alleviating some challenges faced by both countries in processing and repatriating migrants.