Panama Deports Indian Illegals Headed To US
Photo: Reuters/Adri Salido
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – In a significant move on September 6, Panama deported 130 Indian migrants who had illegally entered the country through the treacherous Darien jungle, a notorious route for migrants attempting to reach the US. This deportation was part of a repatriation agreement signed between Panama and the US in July, aimed at curbing irregular migration across the region.
The Indian citizens, who were attempting to reach the US, were sent back to New Delhi on a chartered flight, Panama’s director of migration, Roger Mojica, announced. He confirmed that the deportations were executed due to “irregular migration.”
As part of the broader efforts to manage migration, Washington has committed $6 million to support Panama’s migrant repatriation efforts. Marlen Pineiro, the US Security Attaché for Central America, expressed Washington’s gratitude, emphasizing that irregular migration must be controlled.
The Darien Gap is a perilous jungle terrain between Colombia and Panama but has emerged as a critical path for migrants from South America attempting to travel to the US.
The deportation of Indian migrants highlights the global scope of migration challenges. Indians are among the highest number of illegals entering the US.