Panama and the United States formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Assistance and Cooperation in Migration Matters, which will help prevent the passage of illegal immigrants through the Darién, an issue that has become a serious humanitarian crisis.
In the agreement signed today by Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha and the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. government committed to covering the costs of repatriating immigrants who enter illegally through the Darién.
"Supporting Panama with equipment, transportation, and logistics for foreigners detected within migratory flows in contravention of Panama's immigration laws (hereinafter, 'irregular migratory flows'), who will be subject to migratory administrative measures in accordance with Panamanian law," states the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the United States.
Meanwhile, Panama committed in the agreement to comply with all international agreements and conventions on the rights of immigrants and those in refugee status.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino is committed to resolving the Darién crisis and ending the illegal business of human trafficking.