President Jose Raul Mulino said during a press brief last week that the Biden-Harris administration has not provided the financial assistance they promised for repatriation flights. Unlike prior government leadership, Mulino has remained steadfast in his mission to thwart the flow of migrants passing through the dangerous Darien Gap.
But Mulino said he can't do this without the aid that the Biden-Harris administration promised, as reported by Reuters. "The ball is in their court, we have done everything we can do," said Mulino. "Their border is in Panama, not in Texas," he added.
The official stated that the absence of American follow-through is likely "political," but it has become increasingly urgent in response to a new wave of Venezuelans, who have been among the highest population of migrants crossing through Panama for an extended period, and are currently escaping a new round of political violence.
Panama aims to significantly increase the number of Venezuelans who are expelled by air to Colombia in order to "alter their perspective" and discourage them from undertaking the perilous journey. However, the Panamanian official stated that his nation cannot continue to operate independently any longer.
"We understand that we need logistical support to reinforce the expulsion of migrants...so we can avoid the movement and the normal flow to the United States. We need to change the migration politics of the border of the United States so we can send a very clear message to the migrants," said a senior government official, per the NYP.
Given the current unrest in Venezuela and the measly $6 million the White House reportedly promised Panama for air expulsions, critics argue the delay in funds is inexcusable. This is because Panama is finally willing to curb US-bound immigration.
