Panama deports Colombians on US-funded flight
- Panama deports 29 Colombians on a flight funded by the US.
- The deportation is part of an immigration agreement between Panama and the US.
- The first flight marks the beginning of joint efforts to address immigration through the Darien jungle.
Panama has deported 29 Colombians on a flight funded by the United States, marking the first operation under a bilateral agreement signed in July. These individuals had entered Panama illegally via the Darien jungle, a route that saw over 500,000 migrants, predominantly Venezuelans, attempting to reach the north last year. The deportation reflects Panama's ongoing efforts to manage migration flows, particularly as the country grapples with a significant influx of migrants. Despite these actions, Panama is currently unable to deport Venezuelans due to strained diplomatic relations. The tension stems from Panama's refusal to recognize the legitimacy of President Nicolás Maduro's recent election victory, a stance shared by many countries in the region. As a result, diplomatic ties between Panama and Venezuela have been suspended, complicating the situation further. President José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1, has expressed a commitment to curbing migration, aligning his administration's goals with those of the U.S. government. Initially, Mulino indicated that deportation flights would be voluntary; however, the individuals deported on Tuesday were reported to have criminal records, suggesting a shift in the approach to repatriation. In addition to the recent deportations, Roger Mojico, director of Panama’s National Immigration Service, announced that the country is in discussions with nations like Ecuador and India to coordinate future repatriation efforts, indicating a broader strategy to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.