Panama Deports 29 Colombians Under US Deal

Panama has deported 29 Colombians with criminal records under a new repatriation agreement with the United States, marking the first implementation of the deal signed in July. Funded by a $6 million U.S. initiative, the deportation aims to reduce irregular migration through the dangerous Darien Gap, a route heavily trafficked by migrants heading to North America. The deportees were screened and handcuffed before boarding a charter flight to Bogota. Although initially described by Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino as 'voluntary,' this first group consisted of individuals with criminal backgrounds. The agreement may extend to further deportations of any migrants entering Panama through the Darien Gap due to increasing pressure from Washington. Additionally, discussions are underway with other nations for potential repatriation flights as Panama seeks to align migration policies with U.S. interests amidst scrutiny of the Biden administration's immigration handling ahead of the presidential election.