Panama Begins Deporting Colombian Migrants Under New U.S.-Funded Agreement

On Tuesday, August 20th, Panama commenced the deportation of 29 Colombian migrants who had entered the country through the Darien Gap, marking the first enforcement of a recent repatriation agreement with the United States. The deported individuals, all of whom had criminal records, were flown back to Colombia on a chartered flight financed by the United States government. This operation is part of a broader effort to curb irregular migration through the dangerous Darien Gap region, a key route for migrants traveling from South America to the United States.

The deportations are a direct result of an agreement signed in July between Panama and the U.S., which aims to reduce the flow of migrants reaching the U.S. southern border by intercepting them further south. The Biden administration has committed $6 million to support these repatriation efforts, providing equipment, transportation, and logistics funding. According to Panamanian officials, this initial flight is expected to be followed by additional deportations in the coming days.

Panama’s Vice Minister of Security, Luis Felipe Icaza, emphasized the importance of this agreement in addressing the migration crisis. He noted that while this first group consisted of individuals with criminal records, the agreement could eventually lead to the deportation of any migrant entering Panama through the Darien Gap. The region, notorious for its treacherous conditions and the presence of criminal gangs, saw over half a million undocumented migrants pass through last year, most of them heading towards the United States.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, who took office in July, has been vocal about his commitment to reducing the number of migrants transiting through his country. His administration has faced significant pressure from Washington to take more decisive action on the issue, especially as immigration continues to be a contentious topic in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election. The new repatriation flights are seen as a critical component of these efforts.

The Darien Gap remains one of the most perilous migration routes in the world, with thousands of migrants risking their lives to cross it each year. Many are Venezuelans fleeing the ongoing political and economic crisis in their country, but the flow of migrants includes people from various nationalities. Panama’s new deportation strategy represents a significant shift in its approach to managing this complex humanitarian challenge.

As these deportations continue, Panama is also exploring similar agreements with other countries, including Ecuador and India, to expand its repatriation efforts. The situation in the Darien Gap and the broader implications of these deportations will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions on regional migration and international cooperation.