Panama continues with air deportations paid for by Washington (source of the image).Last Thursday a new flight was reported with migrants returned by the government of José Raúl Mulino, which has the monetary backing of the Biden administration to support this effort aimed at curbing irregular migration through the dangerous Darién Gap. On this occasion there were about 30 Ecuadorian migrants, while the South American nation is one of those that has agreed to receive its nationals returned by the new head of the Palace of the Herons.
Colombia, together with China and India are other countries that have entered into arrangements with Panama to be part of this mechanism of air repatriations, although in my opinion we are talking about very modest numbers. Also, in general the migrants being deported have some criminal record. Apparently, the physical barriers built with barbed wire at some informal border crossings—in Greg Abbott's mode—have had a certain effectiveness in the direction pointed out by Mulino, who is also trying to “clean up” Panamanian streets from drug trafficking and crime in general. In July irregular crossings through the Darién fell by 34%.
The migratory drama further north
The Aztec government announced a few hours ago that it will offer secure transportation service from its southern border to migrants with official appointments to present themselves at one of the eight U.S. southwest land ports of entry, obtained through the CBP One™ Mobile Application. Customs and Border Protection updated the application last week to extend its coverage to the states of Tabasco and Chiapas, so that migrants crossing from Guatemala do not have to take the dangerous route to the north to gain access to it (by the way, in Chiapas people are beginning to worry about the potential introduction of mpox cases in the midst of the migration crisis).
The Ministry of the Interior and the National Institute of Migration reported “the implementation of an ‘Emerging Corridor of Secure Mobility’ to assist in the land transfer of aliens who have an appointment” with U.S. authorities. As of last July, more than 765,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments through CBP One, with Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico and Haiti as the nations with the most migrants benefiting from this initiative.
Desde este viernes, la aplicación CBPOne del gobierno de Estados Unidos para solicitar asilo se extiende más allá del norte y centro de México, permitiendo ahora que los migrantes puedan utilizarla desde los estados fronterizos con Guatemala, como Chiapas y Tabasco. pic.twitter.com/XIQR2qTXC1
— Voz de América (@VozdeAmerica) August 24, 2024
Judiciary strikes back in Mexico
Two Aztec courts have granted amparos (injunctions) filed by judicial branch workers, ordering federal Congress not to discuss a comprehensive reform involving them in the week that is about to begin. The political force in power has dismissed the rulings. “There is no doubt that the desperation of some sectors trying to preserve their privileges also intends to stop this historic reform for the benefit of the population”, the MORENA coordinator said Saturday, adding that the judges' action encroaches on the legislative branch.
The reform—an initiative of the popular AMLO—has shaken the Mexican political hornet's nest, and has already caused the Aztec president to put “on pause” relations with the top diplomatic representatives of the United States and Canada in the capital, who went against it in an open and—if you will—irrespectful manner. Among the most criticized points is the popular election of judges and magistrates, who would no longer accede to their positions through the so-called “judicial career”. This and other proposals would imply a breakdown of the rule of law, as the (supposed?) independence of the judiciary would be endangered.
Red Rio
At least four people were killed and five others injured in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after hitmen shot at a group of people in a bar located at the entrance of a favela. According to authorities, the incident was the result of a confrontation between rival criminal factions.
And this is all for our report today. I have referenced the sources dynamically in the text, and remember you can learn how and where to follow the LATAM trail news by reading my work here. Have a nice day.
