Panama Commences Deportation Flights for Migrants This Tuesday

Starting this Tuesday, Panama will launch a plan to repatriate and deport migrants, aided by the United States government, which will supply the necessary aircraft for the operation.

This initiative aims to return hundreds of migrants who enter Panama irregularly each day via the Darién jungle while attempting to reach the United States but are currently stuck within Panama's borders.

President José Raúl Mulino has emphasized that the true border of the United States is in Darién, Panama, not Texas, as this is the route that thousands of migrants take daily in their quest to reach the U.S.

Statistics from the National Migration Service reveal that last year alone, approximately half a million migrants crossed the Darién jungle as they continued their journeys through Central America toward American soil.

The surge in irregular migration has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Panama, leading authorities to implement measures to address the situation. Panama has begun conducting biometric screenings to verify identities and rule out any criminal backgrounds. Through these screenings, officials have identified individuals involved in terrorism, gang activity, and pedophilia among those trying to cross.

President Mulino noted that during this vetting process, profiles of Afghans linked to terrorism and individuals connected to international narcoterrorism have been uncovered.

“It pains me deeply because I understand why many of them are fleeing. The political crisis in Venezuela is suffocating them... The flights will be provided by the United States,” he added.

These repatriation and deportation flights are part of an agreement signed between Panama and the United States on July 1st, coinciding with President Mulino's inauguration. The agreement clearly states that the U.S. will supply the aircraft at no cost to Panama.

On August 7th, Panama repatriated 28 Colombian nationals considered a threat to collective security. This flight was funded by the Panamanian government.
In early July, President Mulino ordered the closure of five border crossings with Colombia to combat illegal migration. Additionally, barbed wire fences and barricades were installed to block trails along the Panama-Colombia border.