Biden-Funded ‘Migrant Highway’ Deportation Flights Are Voluntary

Panamanian President Juan Carlos Ignacio Máncora said Thursday that deportation flights funded by the Biden administration aimed at helping Panama deport illegal migrants caught crossing the perilous Darien Gap en route to the United States are voluntary.

In an agreement signed earlier this month, the United States agreed to “cover” the costs of repatriating illegal immigrants after Panamanian President José Raúl Molino pledged to close the dangerous stretch of jungle — known as the “highway” for asylum seekers hoping to reach America.

However, weeks later, Molino revealed that migrants had to agree to deportation – calling it “an American problem”.

“This is a problem for the United States and we are working to manage it. People don’t want to live here in Panama, they want to go to the United States,” Molino said, adding that those who choose to skip flights “will go to the United States.” (to the US).

“I can’t arrest them and we can’t send them back by force,” he said.

Former border chiefs say the deal will now do nothing to stop the massive flow of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border, and that Panama is taking advantage of the Biden administration.

“They don’t go there. That’s why it’s voluntary. Panama knows that. They make money from the trip north. Some go when they’re tired, injured or broke, but most keep going,” John Fabricatore, retired director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told The Washington Post.

“In my opinion, the number of illegal immigrants making this journey will continue to rise, and Panama will repatriate fewer and fewer of them.”

According to the Associated Press news agency, more than 212,000 people, mainly from Venezuela, are expected to have crossed the area by 2024.

“Practically all of Venezuela passes through there every day,” Molino said.

Former border chief Chris Klem says the Biden administration needs to be more proactive and tighten its border policies.

“We should not rely on other countries to restrict illegal immigration to solve our problems when our government encourages illegal behavior at the border,” said Kalam, the former Yuma County border chief.

“To achieve this, we need secure borders, supported by strong policies.”

After his victory in the last election, Molyneux promised to close the Darien Gap to immigrants.

Since he took office, 11,363 migrants have crossed the border into Panama, about 9,000 fewer than in the same period last year, according to the Associated Press news agency.

The latest deal between Panama and the United States comes as U.S. officials are concerned about the rise of a notorious Venezuelan gang, the Tren de Aragua, which operates in major U.S. metropolitan areas such as New York City, from where its members allegedly smuggle weapons into city-run migrant shelters.