illegal immigration
New Central American President Following Through On Pledge To Cut Illegal Migration To US
From the Daily Caller News Foundation
The Panamanian government is touting progress on efforts to reduce illegal migration through the Darien Gap, a dense jungle region that has long served as a gateway point for South American migrants making their way to the United States.
The National Border Service, Panama’s version of the U.S. Border Patrol, reported that 11,363 migrants had crossed into the country from Colombia since July 1, when President Jose Raul Mulino first entered office, according to The Associated Press. That number marks roughly 9,000 fewer crossings compared to the same time period last year.
Jorge Gobea, the National Border Service’s director general, credited the downturn in migration numbers to the construction of around three miles of barbed wire on five different trails frequently used by migrants passing through the Darien Gap, according to the AP. Gobea also pointed to the Panama government’s declaration of upcoming deportation plans and heavy rains as the reasons for the drop off in migration numbers.
The early data comes as good news for Mulino, who was elected earlier this year on a pledge to reduce illegal immigration through his country and immediately set out on a plan
Mulino won Panama’s presidential election, beating his closest rival by nearly ten percentage points, riding a wave of voter discontent over the nation’s sluggish economic growth and an endorsement from the still-popular former president. The 65-year-old lawyer also campaigned on a pledge to crack down on the illegal immigration that runs through the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap — a vast jungle region that stretches between Colombia and southern Panama — has proven to be a paramount transit area for illegal migrants headed for the U.S.-Mexico border. Over half a million migrants crossed the Darien Gap on their northward journey to the U.S. in 2023, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Over 212,000 migrants entered Panama after crossing through the Darien Gap so far this year, according to the AP. The vast majority of them have been Venezuelan nationals, while others include Colombians, Ecuadorians and Chinese, among other foreign nationals.
“The border of the United States, instead of being in Texas, moved to Panama,” the then-candidate said on the campaign trail. “We’re going to close the Darien and we’re going to repatriate all these people.”
Mulino’s position on illegal immigration marks a major shift from the previous administration, which largely sought to assist migrants journey to the Costa Rican border, in lieu of blocking them and returning them to their home country.
On July 1, the day Mulino was sworn into office, his government signed a deal with the Biden administration aiming to control the level of migration.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments calls for a deployment of American screening officers to assist Panama officials to deport migrants crossing the Darien Gap, according to the plan. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials with asylum screening experience will be deployed to Panama to help their government process migrants, and the U.S. will provide funds to beef up the country’s deportation capabilities.
While the migration through the Darien Gap still remains close to what was witnessed last year, U.S. officials have yet to fully implement their bilateral agreement, leaving room for more progress moving forward.
Efforts to control the migration routes running through the Darien Gap would have a major impact on U.S. immigration enforcement officials, who continue to deal with the ongoing border crisis. More than 7 million migrants have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally since President Joe Biden entered office, according to the latest data from Customs and Border Protection.
MxM News
Quick Hit:
The Trump admin will now cover the cost of flights for illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. and provide them with a $1,000 stipend after their departure is confirmed. DHS estimates the move will save taxpayers 70% compared to traditional arrest and deportation efforts.
Key Details:
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According to Fox News’s Bill Melugin, DHS will announce a new policy that funds commercial airfare for illegal aliens who register to self-deport through the CBP Home app and follow through on leaving the country.
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Once an individual’s exit is confirmed through the app, they will receive a $1,000 stipend. DHS says this approach reduces the average cost per removal from $17,000 to just $4,500.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that this method avoids arrest and detention, calling it the “safest option” for both law enforcement and the migrants involved.
If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.
DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.
This is… pic.twitter.com/2f02wLWQi5
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 5, 2025
Diving Deeper:
The Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration is rolling out a new initiative aimed at encouraging voluntary self-deportation among illegal immigrants by offering financial incentives and logistical assistance. As first reported by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, the department will now pay for the commercial airfare of those who choose to leave the country voluntarily and will provide a $1,000 stipend once their departure is verified.
A DHS spokesperson told Fox News the program is expected to reduce deportation costs by over 70%, cutting the average expense from more than $17,000 per removal to approximately $4,500. “This will be safer for ICE and preserve their resources,” the department said, highlighting the policy’s benefits for both enforcement and fiscal responsibility.
Illegal immigrants who wish to participate must register via the CBP Home app and notify authorities of their intent to leave. Once they do so, they will be deprioritized for ICE enforcement and maintain the possibility of legally returning to the United States in the future. According to DHS’s official website, participants in the program may be eligible for financial assistance, help with travel documents, and logistical coordination to arrange departure within roughly three weeks of approval.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the program, saying: “If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” she said. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens, and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”
From the Daily Caller News Foundation
By Katelynn Richardson
The Department of Justice (DOJ) released documents Wednesday demonstrating Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s membership in the MS-13 gang.
Abrego Garcia’s police interview, immigration court rulings and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deportable/inadmissible alien record highlighting his membership in the gang, which he has disputed in court, are included in the release.
In a December 2019 decision, the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed Abrego Garcia’s challenge to an immigration judge’s factual finding that he is “a verified member of MS-13.”
The board found the immigration judge “appropriately considered allegations of gang affiliation against the respondent in determining that he has not demonstrated that he is not a danger to property or persons.”
Officers found Abrego Garcia loitering in a Home Depot parking lot on March 28, 2019, wearing “a Chicago Bulls hat and a hoodie with rolls of money covering the eyes, ears and mouth of the presidents on the separate denominations,” the initial Prince George’s County Police Department Gang Field Interview Sheet states.
“Wearing the Chicago Bulls hat represents that they are a member in good standing with the MS-13,” the document states. “Officers contacted a past proven and reliable source of information, who advised Kilmar Armando ABREGO-GARCIA is an active member of MS-13 with the Westerns clique. The confidential source further advised that he is the rank of ‘Chequeo’ with the moniker of ‘Chele.’”
The administration became embroiled in a legal dispute after Abrego Garcia, who entered the country illegally in 2011, was deported in March to El Salvador as a result of an error. In court records, they argued Abrego Garcia could not “relitigate the finding that he is a danger to the community.”
A lower court ordered his return, but the Supreme Court required it to clarify the order and directed the administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated Wednesday that it would appeal the amended order Judge Paula Xinis issued which directed the government to “take all available steps to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States as soon as possible.”
During a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said he would not “smuggle” a terrorist into the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also released court filings Wednesday showing Abrego Garcia’s wife requested a domestic violence restraining order against him.
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