What's happened
As migration through the Darién Gap slows, many migrants are returning home from Panama's Lajas Blancas camp. Increased border controls and deportations have left deportees from various countries, including Afghanistan and Venezuela, without clear pathways for asylum or support, raising humanitarian concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The Lajas Blancas camp, once bustling with migrants, now sees a reverse flow as many attempt to return home.
- Increased Panamanian border controls and the shutdown of the CBP One app have severely limited migration options.
Humanitarian Concerns
- Deportees, including those from Afghanistan and Venezuela, face a lack of legal assistance and support in Panama.
- Many migrants report being turned away from embassies, leaving them uncertain about their future.
Political Implications
- The Trump administration's policies have created a complex situation for migrants, limiting their options and increasing their vulnerability.
- Advocacy groups stress the importance of not forgetting these individuals, who are caught in a bureaucratic limbo without clear pathways to safety.
What the papers say
According to Mat Youkee from The Guardian, the Lajas Blancas camp has seen a drastic reduction in migrant numbers, with only 485 migrants remaining compared to thousands previously. This decline is attributed to stricter border controls and the shutdown of the CBP One app, which has left many migrants feeling hopeless about their journey.
AP News highlights the plight of deportees, such as Hayatullah Omagh, who fled Afghanistan and now finds himself in a precarious situation in Panama. Many migrants report being turned away from embassies, with little hope for asylum or support.
The Independent echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the lack of assistance for deportees and the challenges they face in navigating their new reality in Panama. Advocacy groups are calling for attention to these individuals, stressing that they never intended to be in Panama and are now left without options.
How we got here
In recent months, the U.S. has intensified deportations, particularly under the Trump administration, leading to a significant decrease in migrant crossings through the Darién Gap. Panama has struggled to manage the influx of returnees amid heightened border security measures.
Go deeper
- What are the current conditions like in the Lajas Blancas camp?
- How are deportees being treated in Panama?
- What options do migrants have for seeking asylum?
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Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a transcontinental country in Central America and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
