Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
AFP
Migrant repatriations from Panama to start in 'coming weeks': US official
By MARTIN BERNETTI,
5 days ago
More than half a million undocumented migrants passed through the so-called Darien Gap last year /AFP/File
An American official said Tuesday that repatriations of undocumented US-bound migrants will start from Panama "in the coming weeks" following an agreement reached with the Central American country's new president.
Jose Raul Mulino has vowed to close the dangerous migration route through the Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama, and announced after he was sworn in Monday that his country would no longer be a migrant "transit" point.
Mulino said Panama "cannot continue to finance the economic cost of illegal migration."
After Monday's investiture ceremony, Panama signed an agreement with President Joe Biden's top border official, Alejandro Mayorkas, that pledges US funding for migrant repatriation -- a move Washington hopes will deter irregular crossings across its southern border.
On Tuesday, US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central America Eric Jacobstein told reporters in a teleconference from Washington that repatriations would start "in the coming weeks."
He did not say from where the repatriation flights would depart, or their destination.
Under the agreement, the United States would allocate $6 million for repatriations, including purchasing plane tickets.
The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a key corridor for migrants heading from South America through Central America and Mexico in hopes of reaching the United States and a chance at a better life.
Migrants risk dense jungle, treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs in the Darien Gap /AFP/File
Despite facing dense jungle, treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs, more than half a million undocumented migrants passed through the gap last year.
Migration is a key campaign issue ahead of US presidential elections in November.
Incumbent Joe Biden last month issued an order to shut down the border to asylum seekers once daily limits are hit.
"By returning such individuals to their country of origin, we will help deter irregular migration in the region and at our Southern border, and halt the enrichment of malign smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable migrants," US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson in a statement Monday.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0