Panamanian President Juan Carlos Ignacio Máncora said Thursday that deportation flights funded by the Biden administration, which were supposed to help Panama deport illegal migrants caught crossing the treacherous Darien Gap on their way to the United States, are voluntary.
Under a deal signed earlier this month, the United States agreed to “cover” the costs of repatriating illegal immigrants after Panamanian President José Raúl Molino pledged to close the dangerous stretch of jungle — known as the “highway” for asylum seekers hoping to reach America.
However, weeks later, Molino revealed that migrants would have to agree to be deported – calling it “a US problem”.
“This is a problem for the United States and we are working to manage it. People don’t want to live here in Panama, they want to go to the United States,” Molino said, adding that those who choose to forgo flights “will go to the United States.” [to the US].
“I can’t arrest them, and we can’t forcibly return them,” he said.
Former border chiefs say the deal will do nothing now to stop the massive flow of migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border — and that Panama is taking advantage of the Biden administration.
“They won’t go there. That’s why it’s voluntary. Panama knows that. They make money on the trip north. Some will go if they’re tired or injured or broke, but most will continue,” retired Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Fabricatore told The Washington Post.
“In my opinion, the number of illegal immigrants making this journey will continue to rise, and Panama will repatriate fewer and fewer of them.”
In 2024, more than 212,000 people, mostly from Venezuela, have already crossed the area, According to the Associated Press.
“Practically all of Venezuela passes through there every day,” Molino said.
Former border chief Chris Klem said the Biden administration needs to be more proactive and tighten its border policies.
“We should not rely on other countries to restrict illegal immigration to solve our problems when our administration encourages illegal behavior at the border,” said Kalam, the former border chief for the Yuma District.
“We need secure borders backed by strong policies to achieve this.”
After winning the last election, Molyneux pledged to close the Darien Gap to immigrants.
Since taking office,11,363 migrants crossed Panama’s border, which is down by about 9,000 people compared to the same period last year, according to the Associated Press.
The latest deal between Panama and the United States comes amid growing concern by American officials about the rise of the notorious Venezuelan gang, the Tren de Aragua, which operates in major U.S. metropolitan areas, such as New York City — where its members are said to be smuggling weapons into city-run migrant shelters.
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