Panama Appeals to Trump for Continued U.S. Aid in Migrant Deportations

Panama’s President urges U.S. support for deporting migrants as President-elect Trump prepares to take office. The U.S. has contributed $1 million for deportations after over 1,000 migrants crossed the dangerous Darien jungle. President Mulino seeks to maintain this crucial aid while addressing the complexities of repatriating Venezuelan migrants amid geopolitical tensions.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to continue financial support for deportations of migrants attempting to traverse the country en route to the United States. Since July, the United States has contributed $1 million to assist in deporting over 1,000 migrants crossing the treacherous Darien jungle from Colombia. President Mulino, who was elected with a promise to halt migrant transit through Panama, emphasized the necessity of maintaining this aid under the incoming Trump administration.

Despite facilitating approximately 30 deportation flights to Colombia, Ecuador, and India, Mulino’s government has refrained from deporting Venezuelans, the predominant group among those crossing the jungle, due to restrictions on Panamanian flights landing in Venezuela. This restriction was imposed by Caracas following criticisms of President Nicolas Maduro’s re-election. The Darien jungle remains a crucial pathway for South American migrants seeking entry into the United States, and this year alone, nearly 300,000 individuals have navigated its dangerous terrain, representing a 41 percent decrease compared to the same timeframe in 2023, a reduction attributed to the deportation efforts.

With Trump’s impending presidency on January 20, he has proposed the largest mass deportation initiative in U.S. history. Reports indicate his transition team is compiling a list of nations, including Panama, for deportation purposes if home countries refuse to accept returning undocumented migrants. However, Panama has firmly stated it will only repatriate its own citizens, highlighting the delicate nature of regional cooperation in managing migration issues.

The topic regarding U.S. aid for deportations in Panama is set against the broader context of increasing migration from South America to the United States, particularly through perilous routes such as the Darien jungle. The jungle itself serves as a significant corridor for migrants seeking to transit from Colombia to Panama, which has recently seen a surge in the numbers of individuals attempting this risky journey. In response to the growing migration crisis, Panama’s government has sought support from the United States, which historically provides financial and logistical aid to Central American countries. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration has signaled a stringent approach to immigration, leading to heightened interest in Panama’s role in the deportation process and its implications for regional cooperation on migration.

In conclusion, Panama’s appeal for the continuation of U.S. aid for migrant deportations under the Trump administration underscores the complexities of managing migration in Central America. As the number of migrants traversing the dangerous Darien jungle continues to strain resources, President Mulino’s government aims to curb this transit with U.S. support. The evolving political landscape in the U.S. heralds significant potential changes to immigration policies that could further impact the dynamics of regional migration and cooperation.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com