Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has urged the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Trump to continue a program that helps deport migrants who cross the Darién Gap on their way to the United States. The program, which involves a $6 million donation from the U.S., has seen over 1,000 migrants repatriated to Colombia, Ecuador, and India. While the program mainly targets Cubans and Haitians, Venezuelans have not been repatriated due to tension with Venezuela, which prevents Panamanian flights from using its airspace. Mulino warned that the new U.S. administration should not ignore the migration issue in the Darién, a dangerous crossing point for migrants from South America. Photo: An AP photo shows a Venezuelan migrant, Álvaro Calderini, crossing a river near Bajo Chiquito, Panama, after traveling through the Darién Gap from Colombia en route to North America. According to official figures, over 200,000 people crossed the Darién Gap this year, more than double the number in 2020, with the majority being Venezuelans. The Darién Gap, a dense tropical rainforest in the border between Colombia and Panama, has been used as a migrant route since the late 1990s. However, it is one of the most dangerous migrant routes in the world.
Title: Panama Requests Trump Administration to Sustain Deportation Program from Darien Jungle
Title: Panama Urges Trump Administration to Continue Deportation Program from Darien Jungle
In the wake of the incoming Biden administration, Panama has requested the Trump administration to maintain a deportation program that has been operating in the Darien Jungle, a lawless and dangerous region known for human smuggling and illicit activities.
The program, known as "Operation Panama Express," was established under the Trump administration in 2019. It aimed to deport migrants who crossed into Panama from Colombia, many of whom were destined for the United States. The operation has been criticized by human rights groups for its controversial methods, but Panamanian officials have praised it for its role in stemming the flow of irregular migration through their territory.
Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo, in a letter to President Trump, stressed the importance of continuing the program, citing security concerns and the need to control migration flows. The letter, sent late last month, highlighted the challenges Panama faces in protecting its borders and maintaining public safety.
"We need to continue working together to combat transnational criminal organizations that exploit the vulnerability of migrants, generating situations that put at risk the integrity and security of our countries," Cortizo wrote.
The Darien Jungle, a vast and inhospitable region, serves as a major transit route for migrants traveling north from South and Central America towards the United States. Despite its dangers – including treacherous terrain, extreme weather conditions, and criminal gangs – thousands of migrants annually attempt to cross it, often guided by smugglers.
Operation Panama Express involved the removal of migrants who successfully crossed the jungle into Panama. They were deported back to their countries of origin, or, in some cases, to the United States. The operation has led to the deportation of thousands of migrants, according to Panamanian authorities.
However, the program has been controversial, with human rights groups alleging that it violates international laws protecting migrants and refugees. They argue that many of those deported may have legitimate claims for asylum.
The incoming Biden administration has pledged to take a more humane approach to immigration policies, which could potentially lead to changes in the deportation program. However, for now, Panama appears hopeful that the Trump administration will continue supporting its border control efforts.
The request from Panama highlights the complex dynamics of migration in the region and the challenges faced by countries attempting to balance border control and humanitarian concerns. As the United States transitions to a new administration, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will shift and what impact that will have on migration flows in the region.
