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PANAMA CITY — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed a deportation flight carrying 43 migrants as it prepared for departure from Panama on Monday. This observation aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on curbing migration to the United States. Rubio’s visit marked the conclusion of a two-day trip to Panama City, which is part of a broader tour across five Central American nations. His attention shifted from discussions about the Panama Canal and Chinese engagements to immigration, a key issue for the Republican administration.
The Secretary was present on the tarmac as the aircraft took off, carrying 32 men and 11 women returning to Colombia after being apprehended in Panama while attempting to traverse the treacherous Darien Gap. It is quite rare for a high-ranking official, such as the Secretary of State, to observe a law enforcement procedure like this in a public setting, especially in front of cameras.
The State Department emphasized that these deportation efforts serve as a clear deterrent and disclosed that the U.S. has extended approximately $2.7 million in financial aid to facilitate these flights and cover ticket costs. “Mass migration stands as one of the significant tragedies of our time,” Rubio remarked in a speech following the flight’s departure. “It affects nations all over the globe. We acknowledge that many individuals seeking to migrate en masse are often victims themselves and face additional victimization throughout their journey. Ultimately, this phenomenon does not benefit anyone involved.”
Next on Rubio’s itinerary was El Salvador, where migration dynamics are once again expected to take center stage. His trip occurs in the context of a sweeping suspension of U.S. foreign aid and the initiation of stop-work orders that have halted various U.S.-sponsored initiatives tackling illegal migration and crime in Central America. The State Department indicated on Sunday that Rubio had sanctioned waivers for specific vital programs in the countries he is visiting, although specific details of these programs were not immediately available.
While Rubio traveled abroad, staff members of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were advised to remain away from their Washington headquarters following announcements by billionaire Elon Musk regarding the possible closure of the agency in agreement with Trump. Thousands of USAID personnel have already lost their jobs and many programs have been discontinued. Rubio has yet to publicly discuss any potential closure of USAID.
The deportation flight occurred amidst Trump’s threats to sanction countries that refuse to accept flights carrying their nationals from the U.S. Only last week, Colombia faced temporary penalties for its initial refusal of two deportation flights. In contrast, Panama has shown greater cooperation, allowing third-country deportations to land and facilitating the return of migrants before they can reach the U.S.
President José Raúl Mulino of Panama reaffirmed this collaborative stance, having agreed over the weekend to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative at Rubio’s urging to diminish Beijing’s influence over the canal operations. Since entering office last July, Mulino has announced that Panama has conducted 44 deportation flights, returning almost 2,000 migrants to their home countries, primarily Colombians, followed by Ecuadorians.
Last month, Panama indicated a significant drop — over 90% — in the number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap from Colombia compared to the same month a year prior. The Mulino administration credits this decline to measures aimed at directing migrants through restricted entry points and enhancing patrols in the dense jungles of the Darien.
Mulino also extended an invitation for Rubio to utilize an airstrip in the Darien to facilitate the deportation of migrants from other nations. However, Venezuelans continue to represent the largest group crossing the Darien in recent years, and Venezuela has not been responsive to flight requests from Panama.
Rubio underscored the importance of Panama’s collaboration, highlighting the drastic drop in migration figures. “This represents an effective strategy to control illegal migration, a destructive and destabilizing force,” Rubio stated. “Achieving this level of effectiveness has only been possible thanks to the strong partnership we maintain with our Panamanian allies, and we aim to persist in these efforts.”
He concluded with a perspective that resonates widely in the region, albeit less frequently articulated by U.S. officials: “We also recognize in the United States that the majority of those who arrive here ultimately aspire to reach the U.S.” He added, “Thus, our border doesn’t start at Texas or Mexico—it extends much further downward.”
Rubio’s tour will continue to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
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