Today, the United States and Panama signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to jointly reduce the number of migrants being cruelly smuggled through the Darien, usually en route to the United States. Specifically, the United States will support Panama’s efforts to begin the swift, safe, and humane repatriation of migrants who do not have a legal basis to remain in Panama.  By returning such individuals to their country of origin, we will help deter irregular migration in the region and at our Southern border, and halt the enrichment of malign smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable migrants. 

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