Panama Facilitates US Deportation Efforts, Enhancing Regional Migration Control

Panama is playing a key role in regional migration management by facilitating the deportation of migrants from various countries, according to President José Raúl Mulino, The Associated Press reports.

The first US flight carrying deportees landed in Panama this week, marking a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations.

President Mulino announced that a US Air Force flight arrived with 119 individuals from diverse nations, including China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These migrants, who were detained after crossing the US border and had no criminal records, are being processed for return to their home countries.

The initiative follows discussions between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Mulino, where Panama offered its support in facilitating deportations. The US government is funding the repatriations through UN immigration agencies, demonstrating a commitment to responsible and humane migration management.

Panama’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Ruiz Hernández, emphasized Panama’s willingness to cooperate with the US on this matter. The migrants are being temporarily housed in a shelter in Panama’s Darien region before being returned to their countries of origin.

This collaboration is part of a broader effort to address migration challenges in the region. Panama has been actively working to reduce migration through the Darien Gap, with a significant decrease in crossings reported in recent months. With US funding, Panama has significantly increased deportation flights since Mulino took office last year.