Panama: The Epicenter of US Border Externalization Tactics 

Quixote Center is set to embark on another Solidarity Trip to Panama (March 23-30) in partnership with the Franciscan Network for Migration (FNM).  

Panama continues to be at the epicenter of US border externalization tactics. Migrants are now entering Panama in three ways: deportation flights back from the US; returning south by crossing the border with Costa Rica through Paso Canoas; and a few migrants are still arriving through the Darien Gap and heading north.  

Fe y Alegria Facility

The Panamanian government feels pressure from the US to accept deportees, and at the same time Panamanian civil society, and especially the Catholic community, are holding them accountable for human rights violations towards migrants and deportees. This has led to a volatile situation that changes day-by-day. 

After the US sent three military flights full of deportees from Asian and African countries, local Panamanian authorities scrambled to respond. After first detaining the deportees in a Panama City hotel, they were transferred to migrant camps in the Darien. While staying in the camps, many of the 112 US deportees reported mistreatment, including two women from Cameroon who were victims of abuses. The women tried to denounce these crimes and make their story known to the press; however, the government of Panama sent them back to Cameroon last week.  

The Panamanian government then shut down the migrant camps in Lajas Blancas and Bajo Chiquito in the Darien, only leaving the San Vicente camp operational, mostly for the few migrants (around 30 per day) still arriving through the Darien Gap. The 112 US deportees were released and given 30 days (extendable to 90 days) to return to their home country at their own expense. Our partners at Red Clamor stepped up and are offering shelter in a Jesuit facility, Fe y Alegria, in Panama City. After pressure from our partners, the Panamanian president also signed an executive decree opening a pathway for them to apply for work permits and asylum; however, this requires many documents and hefty fees that many potential applicants can't afford. 

Fe y Alegria Facility

In the meantime, some aspiring asylum seekers to the US left stranded in Central America are returning south through Paso Canoas between Costa Rica and Panama. With Quixote Center support, FNM is currently serving 200 meals a day at Paso Canoas. This is insufficient to meet the need, so they give priority to women and children, who represent 40% and 35% respectively of people arriving to the Costa Rica border every day.  

Our partners operate the Medalla Milagrosa shelter in David, for migrants who need medical assistance. They are also receiving more guests. Many people who are deported forcefully or voluntarily show signs of mental health distress and a growing sense of loss and frustration. Unfortunately, most agencies that address these mental health needs have already left Panama.  

The climate of fear stemming from US anti-immigrant measures are leading many advocates to focus on prevention, while helping with the reintegration of deportees in their communities. Quixote Center, together with our partners, will also continue to work on prevention, addressing the root causes of migration through economic development In Haiti and Nicaragua, and stopping gun trafficking from the US to Latin America and the Caribbean.  

We travel to Panama this week to bear witness to the situation migrants now find themselves in, and to report on our findings that will then guide our collective advocacy efforts. We look forward to engaging with you in the coming weeks. We thank you for your support. 

If you wish to comment on this article, we invite you to visit our blog post HERE. 

Sign our PETITION:

Suggested Actions to Stem Crisis in Haiti

Haiti is suffering from an acute humanitarian crisis of violence and food insecurity, fueled by weapons and ammunition trafficked from the United States. Over a million Haitians are displaced as a result of the violence, and everyone is living in fear. In this context, the United States is rescinding Temporary Protected Status for Haitians who are here legally, and is continuing to deport Haitians back to Haiti, a country that is in no position to receive them.

We are collecting signatures for the Department of Homeland Security to end illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition to Haiti, to protect Haitians already in this country, and to end deportation flights to Haiti. We plan to deliver the petitions in person at a public action and press conference in May.

We invite you to sign the petition, and forward it to your friends and colleagues. Thank you for your support.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation:

There are many ways to give. Find the way that works best for you: