Marco Rubio Observes Deportation Flight in Panama as Trump Administration Focuses on Immigration Policy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed a deportation flight in Panama on Monday. The flight carried 43 migrants, as President Donald Trump's administration focuses on curbing migration to the US. On his second day in Panama City, Rubio shifted attention from the Panama Canal and Chinese influence to immigration, a key issue for the Republican president.

The deportation flight included 32 men and 11 women returning to Colombia after crossing the Darien Gap and being stopped in Panama. Some boarded before Rubio's arrival. He viewed the plane and later commented nearby. It's rare for a secretary of state to witness such operations publicly.

US-Panama Cooperation on Migration

The US State Department stated that these deportations aim to deter migration, with the US providing Panama nearly $2.7 million for flights and tickets. "Mass migration is one of the great tragedies in the modern era," Rubio said. "It impacts countries throughout the world. We recognize that many of the people who seek mass migration are often victims and victimised along the way, and it's not good for anyone."

President Trump has threatened action against countries refusing deportation flights from the US. Last week, Colombia faced penalties for initially rejecting two flights. However, Panama has cooperated by allowing third-country deportees to land and sending migrants back before reaching the US.

Panama's Migration Efforts

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed Panama's stance and agreed to withdraw from China's Belt and Road initiative after Rubio warned of potential US retaliation if China's role in canal operations wasn't reduced. Mulino stated that since last July, Panama conducted 59 deportation flights, returning nearly 2,000 migrants, mostly Colombians and Ecuadorians.

Last month, Panama reported a 90% drop in migrants crossing the Darien Gap from Colombia compared to January last year. The Mulino administration credits this decrease to efforts directing migrants through limited entry points and increased patrols in the Darien jungle.

Challenges with Venezuelan Migrants

Despite these efforts, Venezuelans remain the majority of migrants crossing the Darien in recent years. However, Venezuela is not accepting flights from Panama either. Mulino offered Rubio access to an airstrip in Darien for US deportations from other countries.

Rubio's trip continues to El Salvador, where migration remains a key topic. He will also visit Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. His visit occurs amid a freeze in US foreign aid and halted US-funded programmes targeting illegal migration and crime in Central America.

The State Department announced that Rubio approved waivers for critical programmes in countries he visits, though details were not disclosed immediately.