Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has appealed to President-elect Donald Trump to continue U.S. financial aid for the deportation of migrants. The U.S. has already contributed $1 million for deportation costs. Mulino’s administration has organized several deportation flights while facing challenges such as restrictions on deporting Venezuelan migrants. The Trump administration is expected to implement strict deportation measures upon taking office.
In a recent appeal, Panama’s newly elected president, Jose Raul Mulino, urged President-elect Donald Trump to continue U.S. financial assistance in deporting migrants traveling through Panama to the United States. This appeal follows the U.S. provision of $1 million for the deportation of over 1,000 migrants since July, with Mulino campaigning on a platform aimed at halting the flow of migrants through the Darien jungle. The Panamanian administration has been proactive in organizing approximately 30 deportation flights to various countries including Colombia and Ecuador, although it has refrained from deporting Venezuelan migrants due to a ban imposed by Venezuela on Panamanian flights. Despite facing challenges, such as the dangerous conditions of the Darien jungle that many migrants navigate, Mulino reported a significant decrease in crossings attributed partly to the deportation efforts. The Trump administration’s intentions to implement extensive deportation measures have further complicated the dynamics of U.S.-Panama relations regarding migrant policies, with Panama asserting its position to only accept its nationals.
Panama has been dealing with an influx of migrants attempting to reach the United States through Central America, particularly via the perilous Darien jungle from Colombia. The route has gained notoriety for its treacherous conditions, including swift rivers and violent gangs, making it a critical pathway for human smuggling operations. President Jose Raul Mulino, who took office in May, has been actively seeking to curb this trend by requesting more support from the U.S. government, which has previously provided funds to facilitate deportation efforts.
President Mulino’s appeal to President-elect Trump highlights the reliance of Panama on U.S. aid to manage migrant deportations, particularly as the region grapples with the complexities of dealing with unregulated migration. The significant decrease in crossings reflects the impact of these measures, although challenges such as international flight bans continue to complicate the situation. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the future of U.S.-Panama cooperation on immigration remains to be determined, with Panama emphasizing its commitment to repatriate only its citizens.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
