In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has implemented deportation flights for migrants from various Asian nations to Panama, a move that may facilitate quicker removals. This operation, which began Wednesday night, signals a new approach to handling immigrant populations from countries resisting repatriation.
U.S. Begins Deporting Asian Migrants to Panama Amid Policy Shift
U.S. Begins Deporting Asian Migrants to Panama Amid Policy Shift
Recent deportation flights reflect a new strategy in handling migrants whose home nations are uncooperative with returns.
U.S. officials confirmed that a military flight transporting over 100 migrants including families took off from California, landing in Panama to be processed by local authorities. These migrants entered the U.S. illegally and originated from countries such as Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino stated that the migrants would first stay in a local hotel before being moved to a shelter managed by the International Organization for Migration in the Darién province, from which they would be repatriated.
The collaboration stems from discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Mulino, indicating Panama's willingness to assist in the ongoing migration issues pressing the U.S. administration. Mulino expressed hope for the rapid repatriation of the individuals involved and emphasized Panama's role in addressing regional migration challenges.
The collaboration stems from discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Mulino, indicating Panama's willingness to assist in the ongoing migration issues pressing the U.S. administration. Mulino expressed hope for the rapid repatriation of the individuals involved and emphasized Panama's role in addressing regional migration challenges.
