Panamanian immigration authorities deported and expelled 21 Nicaraguan citizens on Tuesday for violating the country’s migration laws. The group was returned to Nicaragua on a chartered flight from Albrook’s Marcos A. Gelabert Airport as part of a bilateral agreement with the United States.
The National Migration Service of Panama (SNM) confirmed the operation occurred on January 27. Officials stated the actions followed individual case reviews which found clear breaches of Panamanian immigration statutes.
Legal Basis and Individual Cases
Authorities executed 13 formal deportations and eight expulsions. Four individuals, three women and one man, were included in the removal process after receiving sentence reductions under established legal procedures.
The agency’s review found some of the foreigners had criminal records. These records included convictions for international drug trafficking, aggravated possession and sale of illicit substances, aggravated theft, economic damage, human trafficking, and irregular re-entry into Panama by evading official migration checkpoints.
“These measures were adopted after the individual analysis of each file, upon verification of infractions of migration legislation,” the National Migration Service (Panama) stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Of the 21 people returned, 11 were women and 10 were men. Their removal was carried out on charter flight number 63. The flight departed for the Republic of Nicaragua.
International Cooperation Framework
This operation falls under a specific Memorandum of Understanding signed between Panama and the United States. The agreement facilitates the return of individuals who do not comply with immigration regulations.
Panama’s immigration service emphasized its actions strictly follow national law and existing international agreements. Coordination with other competent institutions is standard procedure for such operations. The distinction between deportation and expulsion hinges on specific legal processes and individual circumstances determined by judges or authorized officials.
“These actions are carried out in coordination with the competent instances, in accordance with national legislation and current international agreements,” the SNM added in its official release. [Translated from Spanish]
The use of the Albrook airport for this flight highlights its role in official state operations beyond commercial travel. Panama continues to actively manage migration flow through its territory, a key transit country in the region.
This latest group removal reflects Panama’s ongoing enforcement of its immigration laws. It also demonstrates the practical application of international agreements designed to address irregular migration. Authorities signal they will continue reviewing cases and taking action against those violating entry and stay requirements.