The U.S. has sent its first flight of deportees to Panama, carrying 119 migrants from various countries. This flight is part of a larger plan involving up to 360 individuals. The migrants will be temporarily housed in Darien before returning to their home countries. Discussions between U.S. officials and Panama focus on immigration control and regional cooperation.

Panama has begun receiving deportees from the United States as part of an arrangement announced by President Jos Ral Mulino. The first flight, operated by the U.S. Air Force, landed recently with 119 migrants from various countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This initial flight is part of a series that will eventually total around 360 deported individuals, according to Mulino’s briefing.

The migrants are set to be housed in a shelter located in Panama’s Darien region until they can be repatriated to their home countries. This operation follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama, where discussions included the U.S. taking advantage of Panama’s offer to serve as a transit point for deportees. Several factors, including U.S. interests in the Panama Canal and regional migration control, were key topics of their meetings.

Though migration through the Darien Gap, which connects Panama and Colombia, has reportedly dropped by approximately 90% compared to January of the previous year, the situation remains complex. The Panamanian government continues to seek effective ways to manage migration flows as it receives these deportees under its new agreement with the U.S.

The U.S. has initiated deportations via Panama, bringing in 119 migrants on the first flight, with plans for two more flights. The migrants will be sheltered in Darien until they can return home. This action aligns with broader U.S. migration management discussions with Panama while also addressing regional migration control measures.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com