The migration issue in Panama has raised concerns following the transfer of migrants from the United States to the country, under an agreement that was not publicly known. Former Panamanian ambassador Guillermo Cochez has questioned the lack of transparency regarding these agreements and has demanded that all existing agreements with the U.S. be revealed.
Cochez expressed his concern about the risks associated with Panama receiving these migrants and pointed out the responsibility that now falls on the country. He also questioned why the migrants were not sent directly to their countries of origin from the U.S. and criticized the lack of information about these migration agreements. The Minister of Security of Panama has tried to clarify some details of the agreement, although doubts persist about possible future transfers of migrants.
On the other hand, retired Major Carlos "Superman" Saldaña from the defunct Panamanian Defense Forces has warned about possible risks to national security in receiving migrants whose origins and backgrounds are unclear. Saldaña has expressed concern about the country's ability to handle the arrival of potential high-profile criminals, warning that Panama lacks the necessary infrastructure to contain such individuals.
Saldaña has pointed out the possibility that elements of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, may be entering Panama, posing an additional challenge to national security. In light of this, the debate regarding Panama's capacity to manage the arrival of migrants and ensure safety in the country continues, with warnings about the need for clarity in migration agreements and the importance of protecting national sovereignty.
