US deports dozens of migrants to Panama

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, announced on Thursday that 119 refugees deported from the United States have arrived in the country. The group, consisting of individuals from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Uzbekistan, will later be repatriated to their home countries.

According to the Associated Press, two additional flights carrying 360 more deportees are expected soon. This follows Mulino’s recent commitment to collaborate with the U.S. on deportation efforts, a pledge he made during a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State last week.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that it is assisting Panamanian authorities in supporting the deported refugees, including facilitating their return home. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have signaled that similar agreements may be pursued with other nations.

Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his crackdown on illegal immigration, declaring it a national emergency. His administration has intensified mass deportation efforts, broadening the use of expedited removal and controversially utilizing Guantanamo Bay as a detention site for certain migrants.