Posted: Saturday, February 15, 2025. 9:14 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Panama has received its first U.S. deportation flight carrying 119 migrants from various countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, AP reports.
The U.S. government requested Panama’s assistance in serving as a stopover for migrants expelled from the U.S. before they are returned to their home countries.
President José Raúl Mulino confirmed the arrival of the deportees, stating this flight was the first of three planned, with around 360 migrants expected in total. The deportees will be placed in a shelter in Panama’s Darien region before being repatriated.
The U.S. is funding the repatriation process through U.N. immigration agencies, and the U.S. government requested Panama’s cooperation in facilitating these deportations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz Hernández explained that the migrants had been detained after crossing the U.S. border and did not have criminal records. This move follows a recent meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Mulino, during which the two leaders discussed Panama’s role in slowing migration through the Darien Gap and how Panama could help expedite the deportation process.
Panama has become an important partner in the U.S. efforts to manage migration, as seen in the recent agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador to accept deported migrants.
Migration through the Darien Gap, a key migration route between Panama and Colombia, dropped by about 90% in January compared to the same month in 2024. Since taking office last year, President Mulino has overseen numerous deportation flights, most of which have been funded by the U.S. government, further cementing Panama’s role in managing regional migration.
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The post International News: U.S. deports 119 migrants to Panama as part of new Deportation agreement appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, February 15, 2025. 9:14 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Panama has received its first U.S. deportation flight carrying 119 migrants from various countries, including
The post International News: U.S. deports 119 migrants to Panama as part of new Deportation agreement appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
