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July 2, 2024

Newly Sworn Panamanian President Touts Deal with U.S. to Crack Down on Migrants
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In Panama, President José Raúl Mulino was sworn in Monday, vowing to
block asylum seekers from crossing through the treacherous Darién jungle
as they head north to the United States. U.S. Homeland Security
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was among those who attended the
inauguration. Mulino announced an agreement with the Biden
administration to deport migrants who are apprehended in the Darién Gap,
while the U.S. helps cover the cost of deportation flights.

President José Raúl Mulino: "Today the number of migrants passing
through the Darién Gap is staggering. Plus, international criminals use
this region as their operations base. I will appeal to international
solidarity in regards of the cause of the problem. And I will seek
solutions with the involved countries, especially the United States, as
it's the final destination of migrants."

Mulino is Panama's former public security minister.


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