U.S. and Panama Start Migrant Repatriation Flights

U.S. President Joe Biden informed Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino that US-funded repatriation flights for migrants crossing into Panama through the Darien jungle will start this month. The initiative, agreed upon in July, aims to address illegal migration, though Panama is still awaiting the promised financial assistance.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced in a phone call with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino that US-funded repatriation flights would commence this month to send back migrants illegally crossing into Panama through the Darien jungle, according to a statement from the Panama government.

The two nations had agreed to the flights in July as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal migration through the region. However, Panama is still waiting for the financial assistance that was promised to support the program, according to Mulino.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)