- Military officials also identified a 10-year-old boy of Chinese nationality among the migrants | Photo: Colombian Navy
The Colombian Navy rescued 28 migrants of different nationalities in Pacific waters off Colombia, in the department of Valle del Cauca (southwest), who were trying to reach the United States, the military institution reported this Saturday in a statement.
The migrants had reached the community of Chucheros, located inside the Uramba National Natural Park, approximately 45 minutes from the district of Buenaventura, the Navy said.
A group of people was located in the area, some of whom tried to flee when they noticed the presence of the authorities. During the search it was established that there were 28 foreigners, among whom were 3 from China, including a 10-year-old boy; one from South Africa, two from Bangladesh, two from Venezuela and 20 from India.
Colombian immigration officials, after verifying their documentation, determined that they did not have the corresponding permits to remain in the country.
According to reports, the foreigners had arrived at the tourist dock in Buenaventura, from where they were taken to Chucheros beach, approximately two weeks ago, and were to be transported to the United States. It was also learned that they had been charged a thousand dollars for the trip.
In recent days, the Colombian Navy has rescued 61 migrants in the Pacific and the Caribbean in its journey to the United States.
Panama will deport migrants who have crossed the Darien jungle
Panama has begun repatriating groups of migrants who crossed the Darien jungle on flights financed by the United States as part of an agreement signed by both countries on August 1.
On August 20, the first deportation flight with at least 30 Colombian citizens took off from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, better known as the Albrook terminal, to Medellín.
Panamanian authorities said foreign migrants with criminal records who are in transit to the United States will also be deported.
The agreement involves US support valued at 6 million dollars, which is why the Panamanian president said last week that the return flights of migrants are “at no cost to Panama.”
With information from EFE
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2024-08-24 22:51:06