U.S. Deports Uzbek Citizens to Panama
The U.S. government has initiated deportations of Asian migrants to Panama in a bid to expedite their removal from the country, with the first group comprising Uzbek citizens. The New York Times reported that some Asian nations have refused to accept their deported citizens, which has complicated the process. However, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has strongly refuted this claim in a statement to Kun.uz.
The initial flight reportedly departed from California, transporting migrants from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. The decision to deport them to Panama followed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to the country and former President Trump’s threats to take control of the Panama Canal, as detailed by NYT.
Over 100 migrants on the initial flight had entered the U.S. unlawfully. It is noted that returning migrants to their home countries, such as China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, often proves challenging for the U.S.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed during a press conference on February 13 that a U.S. Air Force flight had landed overnight at an airport outside Panama City, carrying 119 individuals from various nationalities. The migrants are being housed in local hotels and will soon be relocated to a shelter in the Darién Province in eastern Panama. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is overseeing the process and will facilitate their repatriation to their respective countries.
“We hope they will be removed from here as soon as possible. This is another contribution Panama is making to migration issues,” President Mulino remarked.
The U.S. is reportedly funding these flights and will cover the expenses of repatriating the migrants from Panama.
Following Trump’s forceful threats and diplomatic pressures, Latin American nations are cooperating with the U.S. on this front. This mass deportation strategy could mark a new approach to handling migrants. Nonetheless, the destiny of those sent to Panama—a nation with a distinct language and culture—remains uncertain, notes NYT.
The Panamanian government has further disclosed plans to transport the next group of migrants to a small town south of Gaple in the upcoming week.
President Mulino revealed during the February 13 press conference that two more military aircraft would arrive in Panama shortly, bringing approximately 360 additional migrants. At the Panamanian government’s request, the International Organization for Migration is aiding the newly arrived migrants, including facilitating their return to their home countries.
The Trump administration intends to expand deportations not only to Panama but also to El Salvador and Guatemala, with both countries consenting to the arrangement. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with other Central and Latin American nations regarding potential deportations.
Analysts caution that the U.S. may relocate migrants to even harsher conditions. El Salvador has been accused of human rights violations against detainees, while Guatemala contends with one of the world’s highest violent crime rates.
It is stressed that only migrants who pose challenges in returning to their home countries will be sent to Latin America. The Panamanian government is feeling compelled to comply with U.S. demands due to the threat of losing control over the Panama Canal. During a meeting with Marco Rubio, President Mulino vowed to diminish Chinese influence over the canal’s operations.
In a separate statement, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) have debunked claims made by The New York Times regarding the refusal of Uzbekistan and three other countries to accept deported nationals. Embassy officials emphasized their close collaboration with the Uzbek government to facilitate deportations, in line with a robust bilateral agenda articulated by President Trump and his administration.
The Uzbek MFA reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the U.S. government on deportation matters and assured that assistance would be extended to any Uzbek citizens experiencing issues with their documentation or related deportation problems. Uzbek nationals encountering difficulties in the Americas were advised to seek aid or guidance from Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Washington or Consulate in New York.
