Panama to Deport Migrants to China and India

Panama is set to deport over 100 migrants from various countries, including China, India, Ecuador, and Colombia, as part of a broader initiative to manage the increasing flow of migrants traveling north through Central America. President Jose Mulino announced the deportation flights on Thursday, emphasizing the collaboration with the United States to deter irregular migration, which has become a significant issue in recent years. The first deportation flight is scheduled for September 3, targeting 70 Indian nationals, while additional flights for Chinese migrants and other nationalities are also planned. Notably, Ecuadorians represent the second-largest group of migrants in the region, following Venezuelans. Earlier this week, 29 Colombians were already deported under the same program, highlighting Panama's commitment to addressing the migrant crisis. The surge in migrants is largely attributed to the perilous journey through the Darién Gap, a dense rainforest that connects South and Central America. This year alone, over 230,000 individuals have entered Panama via this route, marking a 30% increase in crossings compared to the same timeframe in 2022, according to Roger Mojica, the head of Panama’s migration agency. In response to the escalating situation, the Biden administration has been implementing measures to manage migration at the U.S. southern border, including establishing processing centers in Latin America and urging neighboring countries to enhance their border enforcement efforts.