Panama accepts 119 Asian migrants in US deal

• Panama accepted 119 migrants deported from the U.S. The migrants will remain in Panama temporarily before being returned to their home countries.
• President José Raúl Mulino and President Donald Trump reached an agreement to use Panama as a temporary hub for deported migrants.
• The U.S. and Panama are working together to reduce migration through the Darien Gap.

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Panama confirms a diverse group of migrants arrived Wednesday, Feb. 12, on the first flight of individuals deported from the U.S., fulfilling President José Raúl Mulino’s promise. The migrants will temporarily stay in Panama before being sent back to their home countries using U.S. government funds.

Agreement between Mulino and Trump

President Mulino and President Donald Trump entered an agreement to transport migrants deported from the U.S. to Panama. Under the arrangement, Panama will serve as a temporary hub for the deportees before they are repatriated.

In a press conference on Thursday, President Mulino confirmed the U.S. Air Force brought 119 migrants with no ties to Panama.

The country’s deputy foreign minister said none of the deportees have criminal records but were caught attempting to enter the U.S.

The group included people from China, Afghanistan, India, Vietnam, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Two more flights are expected to arrive soon.

U.S. and Panama collaborate on reducing migrants

Just last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Mulino to discuss Trump’s interest in taking over the Panama Canal. While Mulino did not agree to release sovereignty, he committed to working with the U.S. on immigration issues. The meeting also focused on the Darien Gap, a dense rainforest used by migrants traveling between Central and South America on their journey to the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security has been working with Panama to reduce the flow of migrants. Panama’s deputy minister reported a 90% reduction in migrant numbers in January compared to 2024.