Panama reinforces immigration control: Deports 1,881 migrants with the help of the US
Posted on01/30/25 at 07:34
- Panama deports 1,881 migrants.
- 43 deportation flights conducted.
- 89% reduction in transit.
Panama has deported a total of 1,881 migrants in the last five months with the support of the United States.
This action is part of an agreement formalized by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
According to a report from the National Migration Service (SNM), during this period, 1,627 irregular migrants were deported and another 254 were expelled.
The deportations were carried out under the «Firmeza Plan,» implemented by President José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1, 2024.
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«In these trips, 50 Colombian citizens, 17 Venezuelans, 15 Nicaraguans, and 51 migrants from other nations were repatriated,» according to the official report released by the Ministry of Security (Minseg).
Additionally, migrants from countries such as Iran, Peru, Afghanistan, Lebanon, China, Armenia, Yemen, Pakistan, Ghana, and Turkey were repatriated.
The agreement between Panama and the United States, signed in July, establishes the aerial repatriation of irregular migrants who arrived in the country after crossing the Darién jungle.
The deportation flights, funded by the U.S., have been crucial for the implementation of this plan.
«The first irregular migrants who entered Panama through the Darién jungle were returned to Medellín, Colombia, on August 7 of last year,» according to the SNM.
To date, a total of 43 deportation flights have been conducted, with Colombia being the country with the highest number of returns, followed by Ecuador, Vietnam, and India.
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The flow of irregular migrants has significantly decreased compared to last year.
According to official statistics, transit through the Darién jungle dropped by 89% during the first two weeks of January 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Panamanian authorities attribute this decline to measures such as the closure of paths in the jungle, the implementation of a humanitarian corridor, the imposition of fines for irregular entry, and collaboration with the United States to finance deportation flights.
This joint effort between Panama and the United States reflects a commitment to more effectively manage irregular migratory transit, protecting both the security of the migrants and the sovereignty of the country.
The Panamanian government continues to strengthen its migration policies to ensure more efficient control over the flow of irregular migrants.
Despite efforts to reduce illegal migration, the authorities continue to face challenges due to the complexity of migration routes through the Darién jungle and the difficult conditions migrants encounter during their transit through the region.
With the cooperation of the United States and the measures implemented in Panama, the downward trend in the number of irregular migrants is expected to continue.
However, the situation remains a challenge for both Panama and the transit countries, who must find a balance between national security and respect for the human rights of migrants.
SOURCE: EFE / La Prensa Panamá
