Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has urged President-elect Donald Trump to continue US aid for deporting migrants. The US has provided $1 million for these efforts, particularly concerning migrant crossings through the Darien jungle. Despite executing numerous deportation flights, Venezuela’s migrants have not been deported due to landing restrictions. The Darien remains a critical route for migrants heading to the US, and Mulino emphasizes the ongoing need for US support amid decreasing crossings and significant challenges.
In a recent appeal, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino urged President-elect Donald Trump to continue the financial support provided by the United States for deportation efforts of migrants attempting to reach the US through Panama. The US has contributed $1 million to assist Panama with deporting over 1,000 migrants who traversed the perilous Darien jungle since July. Mulino expressed his belief that this support is crucial under the upcoming Trump administration as he seeks to curb the migrant transit through his country.
Mulino’s administration has executed approximately 30 deportation flights to nations such as Colombia, Ecuador, and India. However, deportations of Venezuelan migrants, who comprise a significant portion of those crossing through the jungle, have not been conducted due to restrictions preventing Panamanian planes from landing in Venezuela. This ban was imposed by Caracas after criticisms from Panama and other countries concerning President Nicolas Maduro’s electoral legitimacy.
The Darien jungle remains a strategic smuggling corridor for migrants heading towards the United States, with over half a million individuals attempting the crossing in 2023, facing numerous dangers including swift rivers and criminal gangs. Notably, this year witnessed about 300,000 crossings, marking a 41% decrease compared to the previous year, which Mulino attributes to the deportation efforts.
As President Trump prepares for his inauguration, he has signaled intentions for significant deportation initiatives, potentially the largest in US history. His team is reportedly identifying various countries for deportation of undocumented migrants, including Panama, though the Panamanian government has reiterated its stance of only accepting its own citizens back.
The article reports on the requests made by Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino to the incoming Trump administration regarding the continuation of US aid for deporting migrants. The focus is on the financial contributions made by the US towards the deportation of migrants attempting to navigate the Darien jungle, a significant route for those seeking to reach the United States. The political context also highlights Panama’s restrictions on deporting Venezuelans amidst tense diplomatic relations and the ongoing migrant crisis involving South Americans attempting to migrate northward.
In summary, President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama has formally requested that President-elect Donald Trump maintain US financial assistance for the deportation of migrants, critical in addressing the migrant transit issue in his country. As a significant flow of individuals seeks to traverse the treacherous Darien jungle, the support from the United States has become essential for Panama’s efforts in managing migration and deportation policies. The broader implications of these policies will influence the future of regional migration and diplomatic relations, especially with Venezuela.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
