Key Highlights:

• Marco Rubio reviews a deportation flight returning undocumented Colombians from Panama.
• This initiative emphasizes U.S. efforts to curb illegal immigration, funded by nearly $2.7 million.
• The cooperation has led to a reported 90% decrease in migrant crossings through the Darien region.

PANAMA CITY (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio observed a deportation flight in Panama on Monday, which returned 43 undocumented migrants, including 32 men and 11 women, to Colombia. This event occurred as part of the Trump administration's ongoing focus on immigration reform and deterrence of illegal immigration. Rubio’s visit marked his second and final day in the country, where he shifted his attention from the Panama Canal and Chinese influence to one of the administration’s top priorities: immigration.

Rubio emphasized that such deportations serve as a strong message against illegal immigration. The U.S. has assisted Panama with financial support of nearly $2.7 million aimed at funding flights and tickets for deportation. "Mass migration is one of the great tragedies in the modern era," Rubio stated, recognizing the plight of many migrants. His remarks follow President Trump's threats against countries resisting U.S. deportation efforts, including penalties imposed on Colombia for a prior refusal to accept flights.

Panama has been cooperating with U.S. demands, facilitating multiple deportation flights to return undocumented migrants to their respective countries. As of recently, Panama has reported acting on 44 flights sending nearly 2,000 migrants back home since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. upon President Jose Raul Mulino's assumption of office. The current diplomatic effort has led to significant changes, including a noted drop in migrant crossings through the Darien Gap, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to the previous year.

During his time in Panama, Rubio also addressed concerns about China's growing influence in the region, particularly regarding the Panama Canal. He stressed the necessity for Panamanian authorities to limit China's role, or face potential U.S. repercussions. Mulino indicated that Panama is contemplating withdrawing from a memorandum pertaining to China's Belt and Road Initiative, with plans to assess early termination of existing agreements before their expiration.

Rubio’s tour of Central America continues with scheduled visits to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, where migration issues will remain a core topic of discussion. The U.S. Secretary of State has also approved waivers to expedite critical programs targeting illegal migration in these countries despite ongoing freezes in U.S. foreign assistance.

For further details, visit the AP News, India Times, and Voice of America.