Panama’s security minister, Frank Abrego, announced that 171 migrants deported from the United States have accepted voluntary repatriations to their home countries, largely in Asia or the Middle East. The migrants, who were staying at a hotel in Panama City under local protection and US financial support, will be transferred to a shelter near the Darien Gap jungle.
The move comes after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which led to the expansion of a deal signed in July between Panama and the US Department of Homeland Security. This new agreement allows for the repatriation of Venezuelan, Colombian, and Ecuadorean migrants from Panama, in addition to those already accepted. The United Nations Refugee Agency will provide return transportation for the remaining migrants.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-says-many-migrants-deported-us-agree-be-returned-home-countries-2025-02-19