Panama accepts African and Asian deportees from the U.S., reshaping immigration policy in a major diplomatic shift.
(EPICSTORIAN) — The U.S. government has begun deporting African and Asian migrants to Panama as part of a broader effort to enforce stricter immigration policies.
Documents obtained from federal sources, as reported by CBS, confirm that American military flights transported detainees from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon to the Central American nation.
This marks a shift in how deportations are handled, addressing longstanding logistical challenges associated with returning migrants to their home countries.
Deporting African and Asian migrants
A military aircraft carrying a group of Asian migrants landed in Panama on Wednesday, the first recorded instance of such a transfer under the Trump administration.
A second flight scheduled for Thursday included more Asian migrants along with deportees from Africa.
Governments in Africa and Asia have often resisted repatriation efforts, complicating the process for U.S. immigration authorities.
The decision to relocate these individuals to Panama suggests a diplomatic breakthrough in securing new destinations for deportees who cannot be sent directly to their countries of origin.
Panama’s Role in U.S. Immigration Strategy
Panama has emerged as a key partner in immigration enforcement. Similar agreements were previously reached with El Salvador and Guatemala, which now accept deportees who are not their own citizens.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has even pledged to detain suspected members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang who are expelled from the U.S.
Discussions continue on additional arrangements, including a proposal to relocate third-country nationals to Guyana. The extent of Panama’s long-term commitment to these deportations remains unclear, though its participation marks a notable shift in regional migration policies.
U.S.-Panama Relations
Panama’s cooperation comes amid renewed tensions over control of the Panama Canal. President Trump has expressed interest in reasserting U.S. authority over the strategic waterway, a stance rejected by Panamanian leaders.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama, with the State Department announcing a deal that would allow U.S. military ships to transit the canal without charge. Panamanian officials have denied that any such agreement was finalized, adding another layer of diplomatic complexity.
Panama’s Own Migration Challenges
The Darién Gap, a dense jungle separating Panama and Colombia, has become a primary route for migrants traveling northward toward the U.S.
Authorities recorded over 500,000 crossings in 2023, mostly by Venezuelans. The number dropped to 300,000 in 2024, though Panama remains a key transit point in global migration patterns.
Adding deported migrants from Asia and Africa into an already strained system raises concerns over Panama’s capacity to manage increasing numbers. The long-term impact of these new deportation policies on Panama’s immigration infrastructure remains uncertain.
Deportation Agreements
The Trump administration continues pushing for expanded deportation arrangements, but the willingness of additional countries to participate remains unknown.
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No official comments have been provided by the Departments of Homeland Security or State regarding long-term plans.
