Panama Increases Deportation Flights Amid U.S. Election Migration Concerns

Panama's government has introduced additional deportation flights to Ecuador, India, and China to curb the flow of U.S.-bound migrants. Announced by President Jose Mulino, the initiative is funded by Washington and comes amid heightened migration debates ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Flights commenced with Colombian migrants this week.

Panama's government has stepped up its deportation efforts with additional flights to Ecuador, India, and China in an attempt to manage the rising number of U.S.-bound migrants traversing the country. This move was announced by newly-inducted President Jose Mulino during his weekly press conference.

Supported financially by Washington, the initiative began earlier this week with the first group of Colombian migrants. The timing of this policy is noteworthy as unauthorized migration has become a significant issue just three months before the U.S. presidential election.

For years, many migrants have braved the perilous Darien Gap jungle to travel from South America to the United States via Panama. Mulino did not provide details on the legal status of those being deported or their criminal records, but specified the dates for impending flights to Ecuador, Colombia, and India.

(With inputs from agencies.)