The Trump administration recently facilitated the deportation of over 100 migrants from various Asian countries to Panama, indicating a new tactic to expedite removals of those unable to return home due to diplomatic challenges.
U.S. Initiates Migrant Deportations to Panama: A New Strategy Emerges
U.S. Initiates Migrant Deportations to Panama: A New Strategy Emerges
The Trump administration expands its deportation efforts by sending Asian migrants to Panama, a significant shift in immigration policy.
The Trump administration has taken a bold step in its immigration strategy by deporting migrants from several Asian nations to Panama, a development that may establish a faster route for removing individuals who have overstayed their welcome in the U.S. Due to complicated diplomatic relations, the United States has struggled to repatriate individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
On Wednesday night, a military aircraft transported these migrants from California to Panama, marking an unprecedented action under the administration. This flight follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent discussions with Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, who expressed willingness to accept deportees.
Upon arrival, the 119 deported individuals—comprising families and individuals from diverse backgrounds—were accommodated in a local hotel and will eventually be moved to Darién, a province in eastern Panama, where their asylum procedure will be facilitated by the International Organization for Migration.
President Mulino emphasized Panama's commitment to addressing migration challenges, stating, “We hope to get them out of there as soon as possible on flights from the United States,” highlighting the collaborative effort involved in this new immigration policy shift.
