The United States has deported nearly 120 migrants of different nationalities to Panama as part of an agreement with the Central American nation. The deportees, who come from countries including Afghanistan, China, India, and Vietnam, will be transferred to a shelter near the Darien jungle before being returned to their respective countries.
According to Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, three flights carrying migrants are expected to land in the country. In total, the US will send 360 people on these three flights.
The move comes after talks between Mulino and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where the Panamanian president reaffirmed his country’s sovereignty over the Panama canal. He also announced plans to expand a deportation agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security to include Venezuelans, Colombians, and Ecuadoreans.
Panama has seen a significant reduction in migrant crossings through the Darien jungle, thanks to bilateral collaboration between Panama and the US, which has reduced the flow by 90% in January compared to the same month last year.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-deports-panama-nearly-120-migrants-different-nationalities-2025-02-13