U.S. deports citizens of Uzbekistan to Panama

It has been reported that the first flight took off from California, carrying migrants from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. The deportation to Panama follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama last week, as well as threats from former President Trump to take control of the Panama Canal, NYT writes.

More than 100 migrants on the first flight had entered the U.S. illegally. The report notes that deporting migrants to their home countries — such as China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan — is often difficult for the U.S.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed in a press conference on February 13 that a U.S. Air Force flight landed overnight at an airport outside Panama City, carrying 119 people from "various nationalities."

The migrants have been accommodated in local hotels and will soon be transferred to a shelter in the Darién Province in eastern Panama. The process is being monitored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which will facilitate their repatriation to their home countries.

"We hope they will be removed from here as soon as possible. This is another contribution Panama is making to migration issues," President Mulino stated.

It has been revealed that the U.S. is funding these flights and will also cover the costs of repatriating the migrants from Panama.

Following Trump’s strong threats and diplomatic pressure, Latin American countries are assisting the U.S. This policy of mass deportation could introduce a new method of dealing with migrants. However, the fate of those sent to Panama — a country with a different language and culture — remains uncertain, NYT notes.

The Panamanian government has also announced plans to send the next group of migrants to a small town south of Gaple next week.

During the press conference on February 13, President Mulino mentioned that two more military aircraft would arrive in Panama in the coming days, bringing around 360 additional migrants. The International Organization for Migration has stated that, at the Panamanian government's request, it is assisting the recently arrived migrants, including facilitating their return to their home countries.

The Trump administration is planning to expand deportations not only to Panama but also to El Salvador and Guatemala. Both countries have agreed to this arrangement. Meanwhile, the administration is holding serious discussions with other Central and Latin American nations about further deportations.

Analysts warn that the U.S. may send migrants to even worse conditions. For instance, El Salvador has been accused of violating the human rights of detainees, while Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

It has been emphasized that only migrants who are difficult to return to their home countries will be sent to Latin America. Due to the threat of losing control over the Panama Canal, the Panamanian government is now forced to comply with U.S. demands. During his meeting with Marco Rubio, President Mulino promised to reduce Chinese influence over the canal's operations.

The U.S. Embassy and the MFA deny the claims

The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has strongly denied The New York Times report, which claimed that Uzbekistan, along with three other countries, refused to accept deported nationals. In a statement to Kun.uz, embassy officials rejected the report as false.

"The United States firmly denies The New York Times' claim that 'Uzbekistan does not want to cooperate in removing its citizens from the U.S.' On the contrary, Uzbekistan has been a steadfast partner in responding to U.S. deportation requests as part of a strong bilateral agenda. This issue remains a priority for President Trump and his administration, and due to this, communication with the Uzbek government has intensified," the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan stated.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also confirmed to Kun.uz that it is aware of these deportations and is cooperating with the U.S. government.

"We are working closely with the U.S. on this matter to ensure deportations are carried out properly. Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Washington and Consulate in New York maintain constant contact with Homeland Security, the U.S. agency responsible for migration. If any Uzbek citizens face issues with their documents or other problems related to deportation, we will provide all possible assistance," said MFA spokesperson Akhror Burhonov in an interview with Kun.uz.

Additionally, the MFA official reminded Uzbek nationals who find themselves in difficult situations in the Americas that they can seek assistance or advice from Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Washington or Consulate in New York.