US Deports 119 Migrants from Asia to Panama

The Trump administration has initiated a significant diplomatic effort by deporting unauthorized migrants from Asia and Africa to Panama, with the first flights transporting individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan. These deportations, which began with an American military flight carrying 119 migrants, are part of a broader strategy to address the challenges of returning migrants from nations that typically resist repatriation. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino confirmed that the migrants would be housed temporarily before being repatriated, highlighting the country’s role as a transit point in U.S. immigration policy. Further flights are planned, indicating a possible escalation in the U.S. government's mass deportation initiatives. This development follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to Panama, which focused on migration and U.S. interests in the region. Overall, these actions represent a noteworthy shift in how the U.S. manages deportations, particularly for migrants from hard-to-repatriate countries.