2023-09-08 21:34:31
Americas
Panama to intensify expulsions of migrants
The small Central American country has decided to step up expulsions of migrants who enter the country through the Colombian border and want to go to the United States
PublishedSeptember 8, 2023, 11:34 p.m.
Since the start of the year more than 348,000 migrants, mainly Venezuelans, have crossed the inhospitable Darien tropical forest, far exceeding the record set for the whole of 2022 with 248,000 migrants.
Panama will intensify expulsions of migrants who enter the country through the Darien forest, on the border with Colombia, in an attempt to stem the record wave of migrants en route to the United States, the government announced Friday .
“We are going to intensify actions aimed at gradually increasing deportations and expulsions” of migrants, announced the national director of migration Samira Gozaine during a press conference. The government also plans to strengthen security measures in border towns.
More than 348,000 migrants since January
Since the start of the year more than 348,000 migrants, mainly Venezuelans, have crossed the inhospitable Darien tropical forest, far exceeding the record set for the whole of 2022 with 248,000 migrants. Since April, the Panamanian authorities have expelled nearly 500 people, said Samira Gozaine, however assuring that the government would use charter flights to intensify the expulsions.
“If 3,000 people enter (illegally in the country), we would like to expel the 3,000, but that is impossible,” however, conceded Samira Gozaine, ruling out mass expulsions. In August, an average of 2,500 to 3,000 migrants entered Panama from Colombia each day. This situation forced the government to set up several reception centers throughout the country, with the support of international agencies. The migratory wave continues although the United States warned several months ago that it would not allow anyone entering Panama illegally to enter its territory.
Migrants from South America trying to reach the United States, through Central America, cross the natural border of Darien, 266 km long and covering an area of 575,000 hectares. They make this journey despite the presence of dangerous wildlife, raging rivers and criminal organizations that rob them or demand payment to guide them on their route. In 2022, at least 52 people have died in the inhospitable Darien forest, according to authorities, who speculate that deaths might be higher.
(AFP)Show comments
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