Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panamanian Minister of Public Security Frank Abrego recently attended a charter repatriation flight event at Albrook Airport in Panama City. The event highlighted the collaboration between the United States and Panama in addressing issues related to mass migration.
Minister Abrego, speaking through an interpreter, noted that among those being repatriated were individuals with criminal records as well as others who had violated Panama's immigration laws. He emphasized the ongoing development of a memorandum of understanding with the United States to maintain border control under their strategic alliance.
Secretary Rubio addressed the gathering, acknowledging the strong partnership between the U.S. and Panama. "This is evidence of the great partnership that exists between the U.S. and Panama," he stated, describing Panama as a friend and ally with whom there are many ties and cooperation efforts.
Rubio remarked on the challenges posed by mass migration in the hemisphere, describing it as a tragedy where many people become victims during their journey. He stressed that for many migrants, reaching the United States is their ultimate goal, making it essential to create incentives to deter such journeys.
He also highlighted a cooperation program aimed at preventing individuals with criminal histories from causing problems in Panama or other countries. "That would be impossible without the cooperation of the United States with the government of our friends here in Panama," Rubio said.
The Secretary further explained that this program was made possible through a partnership involving taxpayer dollars via the State Department. A waiver issued for this flight facilitated its execution, demonstrating how such programs can strengthen America while benefiting allied nations like Panama.
Rubio concluded by emphasizing that stemming illegal migration requires effective partnerships like those with Panama: "It’s an effective way to stem the flow of illegal migration...and it would’ve been impossible to do without the strong partnership we have here."