From June 30 to July 1, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas traveled to Panama City, Panama, to lead the United States Presidential Delegation at the inauguration of President José Raúl Mulino. Secretary Mayorkas was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Panama Mari Carmen Aponte, Secretary of the United States Navy Carlos Del Toro, U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes, and Special Assistant to the President & Coordinator for the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Marcela Escobari.

The United States has maintained a strategic relationship with Panama for over 100 years and commends its citizens for their participation in the democratic process. The Biden-Harris Administration anticipates expanding bilateral cooperation with President Mulino on key regional issues such as tackling corruption and organized crime, promoting inclusive economic growth, and managing hemispheric migration safely and humanely.

To this end, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin a new U.S. Department of State-funded foreign assistance program aimed at addressing irregular migration in the region. This initiative will assist the Panamanian government in removing foreign nationals who lack legal grounds to remain in Panama.

During their first bilateral meeting, Secretary Mayorkas congratulated President Mulino on his inauguration. Both leaders committed to ensuring robust bilateral cooperation on various issues beneficial to both countries.

Secretary Mayorkas also met with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles during his visit to further cooperation with DHS on areas of mutual interest including migration management and counterterrorism.

DHS looks forward to building upon these productive discussions as they continue working to strengthen partnerships with Panama and Costa Rica in pursuit of shared strategic security interests.