By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Panama initiated the repatriation of undocumented migrants on Tuesday with flights funded by the United States. This decision comes shortly after José Raúl Mulino assumed the presidency of Panama, less than two months ago. Mulino, who pledged during his campaign to "close" the Darién Gap an infamous jungle corridor traversed by over half a million migrants last year has taken his first major steps to address the issue.
The Biden administration agreed to cover the cost of these flights as part of its broader strategy to curb irregular migration. On Tuesday, a group of 29 Colombians with criminal records were among the first to be deported. Under a new agreement, signed by Panama’s foreign minister and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. has committed $6 million to aid Panama in removing foreign nationals without legal grounds to remain in the country. The funds will support transportation, equipment, and logistical needs.
As immigration becomes a key topic ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November, this new cooperation seeks to reduce the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border by addressing the issue further south. The Darién Gap, a hazardous stretch of jungle that connects Colombia and Panama, serves as a major crossing point for those traveling from South to North America. In 2023 alone, an estimated 520,000 individuals made the dangerous journey, often falling victim to predatory gangs.
President Mulino emphasized the tragic circumstances facing many of these migrants, particularly from Venezuela. He highlighted the human toll, with families being torn apart and young children losing parents during the perilous crossing. Mulino also noted that many of these victims remain unidentified.
Initially, the repatriation flights will return migrants to Colombia, the country from which they entered Panama, though it remains unclear if future flights will repatriate them directly to their countries of origin. According to Panamanian government data, Venezuelans make up the largest group of migrants traveling through the Darién Gap, followed by Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Haitians.
There are growing concerns across the region that the number of Venezuelans fleeing the country could rise if the ongoing political crisis surrounding contested election results remains unresolved. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner of the recent election by the National Electoral Council, a result widely rejected by opposition groups and questioned by international actors such as the U.S. and the EU.
Earlier this month, President Mulino offered Maduro safe passage to a third country, an offer that was declined by the Venezuelan leader, who cautioned Mulino against interfering in Venezuela’s affairs.
