Panama: President Raúl Mulino says illegal migrants will not be forced out- Video

Panama's new president, Jose Raul Mulino, has announced that the country will not forcibly repatriate undocumented migrants who cross the dangerous Darien Gap from Colombia. This decision departs Mulino's earlier campaign promises to deport migrants and close the key migration route.

During a recent news conference, President Mulino stated, "The problem we are dealing with here is a problem of the United States. People do not want to come and stay in Panama, people want to go to the US and if this problem becomes a situation of greater magnitude, I do not know because it has not happened yet, we cannot put them (migrants) in jail, we cannot deport them by force or repatriate them by force."

The Darien Gap, a treacherous stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama, has significantly increased migrant crossings. In 2023, over half a million people travelled this perilous journey, facing threats from violent criminal gangs and dangerous river crossings Despite the challenges, many migrants view this route as their best chance to reach the United States.

To manage the migration crisis, Panama has signed an agreement with the United States, which includes $6 million in funding for migrant repatriation. This agreement aims to reduce irregular crossings and support Panama in handling the large number of migrants entering the country.