Panama Deports 29 Colombians on First US-Funded Flight

On Tuesday, Panama began repatriating undocumented migrants on flights funded by the United States. The first flight carried 29 Colombians with criminal records. This program is part of a new agreement between U.S. officials and Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, who took office less than two months ago.

The program aims to reduce Panama’s role as a transit point for migrants heading to the U.S.

The U.S. has allocated $6 million for these deportation flights. Marlen Piñeiro, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official, stated, “The message we’re sending is very clear: Darien is no longer a route,” emphasising that migrants should use only legal methods to enter the U.S.

Panama’s migration chief, Roger Mojica, mentioned that deportations from countries such as Ecuador and India are continuing. However, repatriating Venezuelans is challenging due to suspended diplomatic relations after recent elections in Venezuela.