MEXICO CITY — The situation surrounding Venezuelan migrants reflects a broader shift, with Mexico now functioning like a U.S. immigration detention center. Families from Central Asia are being sent to Panama and Costa Rica, pending their voluntary repatriation, while Venezuelans previously detained in Guantanamo Bay are transferred back to Caracas via Honduras.
This ongoing process sends a clear signal: the effort to reach the U.S. border may no longer be worth it. The groundwork laid by the U.S. administration aims to reverse migration flows in the region. Although current figures remain modest, the strategic plan to navigate limited detention space while expanding deportation capabilities is becoming clearer.
Deals Across Latin America
In recent months, the U.S. has secured agreements with several Latin American countries including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama to serve as transit points for migrants expelled by the U.S. Additionally, deals have been made with Venezuela to facilitate pickups from Texas and Guantanamo Bay.
Concerns regarding the transparency of these agreements have arisen, with critics fearing a circumvention of international protections for refugees and asylum-seekers. Some interactions appear to be informal agreements made under pressure during negotiations over potential economic sanctions or aid suspensions.
In Trump’s earlier presidency, agreements involved countries like Mexico and Guatemala accepting asylum-seekers. The current arrangements, however, are more diverse, with some, like Honduras, serving as transit points for transferring Venezuelans from U.S. planes to Venezuelan ones, and El Salvador considering detaining deportees, including U.S. citizens.
“The current moves reflect growing ambitions,” noted Adam Isacson, a researcher, indicating that the current strategy involves not just deporting individuals but also using third countries as holding locations.
The preliminary phase involves relatively few numbers, yet the imagery of deportations is significant, with powerful scenes of shackled detainees and pleas for help emerging from temporary holding locations.
Panama as a New Pathway
Panama, previously a conduit for migrants heading towards the U.S., has become a pivotal element in the U.S.’s deportation strategy. Nearly 300 deportees from various Asian countries are housed in a hotel in Panama City, with some displaying desperate messages for assistance from their windows.
Those unwilling to return voluntarily faced transport to a remote camp in the jungle. Reports from detainees highlight issues such as lack of information about their rights and concerns over poor conditions.
Similar operations were conducted in Costa Rica, rerouting asylum seekers back south. Daily movements through Costa Rica towards Colombia have been noted, with regional authorities considering organized boat transfers.
Both Panama and Costa Rica have stated that international agencies are assisting with these operations, which are funded by the U.S. The International Organization for Migration is involved in managing these processes and providing essential services.
“In the reverse flow, the situation seems manageable,” Panama’s President remarked, noting that migration is now moving in the opposite direction, highlighting efforts to maintain order.
Challenges for Vulnerable Migrants
Despite international involvement, concerns prevail over the handling of vulnerable migrants, some of whom may be returned to dangerous circumstances in their home countries.
There is apprehension that the U.S. might be leveraging third countries to deport migrants from nations with no diplomatic ties, thereby bypassing international regulations that protect against unsafe returns.
The case of Venezuelans being flown back highlights potential risks. Some included defectors from the military, now vulnerable upon their return. For countries like Iran and Afghanistan, the stakes could be even higher.
While regional governments strive to avoid the perception of facilitating deportations, increased transparency could protect them from criticism and ensure migrants’ rights are upheld.
