The United States and Panama have signed an agreement aimed at helping the Panamanian government deport migrants who cross the Darién Gap, a once-impenetrable jungle that has now become a popular transit point for those traveling to the U.S. southern border. Under this joint initiative, U.S. immigration officials will provide training and assistance to Panamanian authorities to carry out more deportations of migrants heading north. Panama has reported record numbers of crossings along the roadless Darién jungle, including over half a million in 2023 alone. The Department of Homeland Security will be sending officials to assist their Panamanian counterparts on the ground, using State Department funds to help build up Panama’s deportation infrastructure.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who attended the inauguration of Panama’s President-elect José Raúl Mulino, stated that the agreement is part of a regional response to migration. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with countries like Panama to manage the historic levels of migration across the Western Hemisphere. Mulino has taken a tough stance against migrant arrivals in Panama, vowing to “close” the Darién Gap and accusing international aid workers of facilitating illegal migration. This arrangement between the U.S. and Panama has been in the works for months, with CBS News first reporting on the Biden administration’s plans to send U.S. immigration officials to Panama in November.
The agreement between the U.S. and Panama is the latest action taken by the Biden administration to address illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border. Last month, President Biden partially shut down asylum processing using his executive authority, leading to a decrease in unlawful border crossings to the lowest level recorded during his administration. The agreement also highlights the reliance of the U.S. on other countries to reduce migrant crossings along its southern border, a trend that has been seen under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Mexican officials have recently conducted aggressive operations to stop migrants from reaching northern Mexico, while Ecuador has imposed visa requirements for Chinese migrants using the country as a pathway to the U.S. border.
The U.S.-Panama agreement signifies a coordinated effort to address the challenges posed by increased migration flow through the Darién Gap. By providing training and resources to Panamanian authorities, the U.S. aims to improve deportation processes and manage the influx of migrants passing through Panama on their way to the U.S. southern border. This partnership reflects a broader strategy of regional cooperation to address migration issues affecting multiple countries in the Western Hemisphere. As the U.S. works to secure its borders and enforce immigration laws, collaborating with Panama and other nations is seen as a crucial component of managing migration flows and ensuring border security.
The agreement between the U.S. and Panama comes at a time when the Biden administration is taking steps to reduce illegal crossings at the southern border and strengthen immigration enforcement measures. By deploying U.S. immigration officials to assist Panamanian authorities in deporting migrants, the U.S. aims to streamline deportation processes and deter irregular migration through the Darién Gap. This joint initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex migration challenges that transcend national borders and require coordinated responses. As both countries work together to implement this agreement, they are expected to enhance their capacity to manage migration flows effectively and uphold immigration laws in a manner that respects humanitarian considerations.
