MEXICO CITY — Recent developments have seen Venezuelan migrants transferred to Mexico, akin to a U.S. immigration detention facility, as well as Central Asian families flown to Panama and Costa Rica to await voluntary repatriation. Additionally, Venezuelans were transferred from Guantanamo Bay to a Honduran tarmac before returning to Caracas. These actions underscore the message that attempting to reach the U.S. border may no longer be rewarding. Under the current U.S. administration, initiatives are underway to redirect the flow of migration in the region. Although these efforts are modest in scale, hints of a broader strategy to address limited detention capacities are emerging.
In its ongoing plans, the U.S. has struck agreements with countries like Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama to serve as temporary waypoints or final destinations for those expelled from the U.S. Simultaneously, agreements have been made with Venezuela regarding the repatriation of its citizens. However, these deals lack public transparency, prompting concerns about possible circumvention of international refugee protections. Some experts suspect these arrangements might constitute extemporaneous “handshake deals” made under diplomatic pressures.
Earlier agreements during Trump’s previous presidential term with countries like Mexico and Guatemala facilitated the housing of asylum-seekers, although only two countries actively participated. The current terms of engagement have expanded, with countries like Honduras facilitating the transit of Venezuelans between flights and El Salvador offering to detain deportees, including U.S. citizens. There’s a more ambitious approach with proposals to move deportees like commodities to third countries, which represents a significant shift from prior strategies.
The numbers of deportees remain small compared to previous migration rates, yet poignant images of deportees arriving in shackles or holding signs asking for assistance have made a significant impact. At this stage, without a newly approved congressional budget, these actions represent a preliminary phase. The current approach seeks to deter potential migrants through intimidation and a shift towards more visible deportation procedures.
Observations reflect a migration pattern change where deportations and movements within the southern regions become more evident, rather than the previous influx toward the U.S. border. Mexico alone has received over 3,300 foreign deportees in a short timeframe. Many carried documents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement citing deportations rather than being linked to the “Remain in Mexico” program.
Panama has become a crucial transit point, transforming into a passageway for deportations rather than a step towards the U.S. Hundreds of deportees from Asian countries recently found themselves in a hotel in Panama City, some seeking assistance. A portion unable to opt for voluntary return was moved to a remote camp in challenging conditions. Costa Rica has hosted similar deportee flights, with plans for efficient boat routes from Panama to Colombia becoming possibilities. Official involvement from U.N. agencies has been reported, facilitating departure arrangements, with U.S. financial backing.
Despite these logistics, there remains significant concern about vulnerable migrants. These initiatives risk bypassing safeguards meant to protect such individuals, potentially resulting in their being sent back to hazardous countries. The regions involved, while conscious of diplomatic sensitivity, have not fully embraced the transparency required to mitigate criticism. Ultimately, fostering an open dialogue and implementing humane policies remains essential for all parties involved.
