U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed a deportation flight carrying 43 migrants from Panama to Colombia on Monday, underscoring the Trump administration’s focus on curbing immigration to the United States. This visit, part of a five-nation trip through Central America, marked Rubio’s second day in Panama City, where he shifted his attention from regional infrastructure concerns to the pressing issue of immigration.
The flight included 32 men and 11 women who had crossed the dangerous Darien Gap but were intercepted in Panama. Rubio’s presence at the tarmac was notable, as it is uncommon for a Secretary of State to witness such law enforcement actions directly, especially in front of media cameras. After viewing the plane, he made remarks emphasizing the importance of these deportations as a deterrent to illegal migration.
The U.S. State Department highlighted its financial support to Panama, amounting to nearly $2.7 million, to assist with deportation flights. Rubio addressed the broader implications of mass migration, stating, “Mass migration is one of the great tragedies in the modern era," acknowledging the plight of many migrants who often face victimization during their journeys.
This deportation flight occurred amid President Trump’s threats to impose penalties on countries that refuse to accept deported nationals. Colombia recently faced such penalties after initially declining to accept two flights. In contrast, Panama has been more cooperative, facilitating the return of migrants from third countries and sending them back before reaching the U.S. border.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino reiterated his government’s commitment to assist in managing migration flows. Following a warning from Rubio regarding China’s influence in the region, Mulino agreed to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which could have significant implications for future U.S.-Panama relations.
Since entering office in July, Mulino’s administration has executed 44 deportation flights, returning nearly 2,000 migrants, primarily Colombians and Ecuadorians. Recent reports indicate a dramatic decrease in migrant crossings through the Darien Gap, attributed to increased patrols and controlled entry points established by Panamanian authorities.
Rubio praised Panama’s cooperation in addressing the migration crisis, stating, “This is an effective way to stem the flow of illegal migration, of mass migration, which is destructive and destabilizing.” He added that the U.S. understands that many migrants aim to reach the United States, suggesting that the U.S. border issue begins far from its actual borders.
Following his visit to Panama, Rubio is set to travel to El Salvador, where immigration will again be a focal point of discussion, before continuing to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. His trip comes at a time when U.S. foreign assistance programs targeting illegal migration and crime in Central America face significant funding cuts, although Rubio has approved waivers for some critical initiatives during his visit.