Panama News

The Indian embassy in Panama has confirmed that a group of Indian migrants deported from the United States are safe at the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City, where they are being temporarily housed. This announcement follows reports of the deportees displaying signs asking for help in their hotel windows, which raised concerns about their well-being. Panamanian authorities informed the embassy that the deportees, which include individuals from various Asian countries, are being provided with essential amenities and medical attention. According to the embassy's official communication, "The embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host government to ensure their well-being." The deportees were part of a larger group of 299 migrants sent back to Panama as part of a US immigration enforcement strategy initiated by former President Donald Trump. However, challenges arise as many deportees come from countries that do not accept direct deportation flights, necessitating their temporary stay in Panama as arrangements for their repatriation are organized. Concerns have been voiced by human rights groups regarding the treatment of the deportees and risks of returning to war-torn countries.

More than 300 migrants, including Indian nationals, are currently detained at the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City as they await repatriation after being deported from the United States, according to the Associated Press. This situation arises from a recent increase in deportations initiated by former President Donald Trump's administration targeting illegal immigrants. The migrants have been documenting their plight by placing desperate messages in hotel windows, pleading for assistance and stating that they feel unsafe in their home countries. Authorities revealed that over 40% of these individuals are unwilling to return voluntarily. The Panamanian government, acting as a temporary holding facility, has assured that migrants are receiving necessary medical care and food while awaiting their return. As part of a migration agreement with the U.S., Panama is facilitating the processing of deportees. Security Minister Frank Abrego noted that 171 out of the 299 deportees have consented to return, with assistance from the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency, while discussions continue for the others. Costa Rica is also expected to participate in accommodating additional deportees shortly.

Since his reelection, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared intentions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, claiming current fees for American ships are excessive and expressing concern over Chinese influence in the region. The canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 following treaties signed in 1977 under President Jimmy Carter, which mandated a gradual transfer of control and guaranteed equal treatment for all nations regarding tolls, according to official reports. The canal’s construction, completed by the U.S. in 1914, marked a significant engineering achievement and propelled the United States into global prominence. However, continuous American control over the canal zone has sparked tensions with Panama, peaking in 1964 when riots broke out during an incident involving the national flags. In the early 2000s, Panama undertook a major expansion of the canal, reportedly costing over $5.2 billion, addressing the needs of larger container ships. Trump's assertions ignore the investment and development made independently by Panama and the diminishing role of U.S. influence there, highlighted by Panama's shift in allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing in 2017.

President Donald Trump has renewed his calls for the United States to reclaim the Panama Canal, asserting that excessive fees for American ships and China's burgeoning influence over the waterway justify a reassertion of U.S. control. The Canal, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was handed back to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos, which ensures equal treatment of nations regarding tolls, thus contradicting Trump’s fee reduction demand, according to several analysts. The historical context reveals a long-standing struggle over the Canal, commencing with its construction by the U.S. after supporting Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903. Subsequent disagreements flared up, notably during riots in 1964 when Panamanian students clashed with U.S. forces. Following negotiations in the late 1970s, the Canal was fully transferred to Panama, a move still resented by some U.S. conservatives. China’s involvement has intensified since Panama recognized Beijing diplomatically in 2017, with major infrastructure projects increasingly executed by Chinese companies, prompting U.S. officials to warn against potential threats to national security, according to the U.S. Southern Command.

The Guna community of Gardi Sugdub, a small island in Panama, has relocated due to the imminent threat of rising sea levels, becoming the first such community in the country to move because of climate change. According to the Panamanian government, the island is at high risk of becoming uninhabitable by 2050, prompting the relocation of approximately 1,000 residents to a newly constructed settlement called Isberyala. The transition has received mixed reactions from the community. While some residents have embraced the new prefabricated homes, others remain on the island, either due to space limitations in Isberyala or skepticism about climate change impacts. Delfino Davies, a local elder, expressed sadness at the loss of traditional ties to the ocean and community life, stating, “The essence of our culture is on the islands.” Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute warn that most islands in the region will likely be submerged by the end of the century. The relocation effort, funded with $15 million from the government and the Inter-American Development Bank, aims to preserve Guna culture amidst these climate challenges.

China has expressed strong disapproval of the United States following Panama's decision not to renew a significant infrastructure agreement with Beijing. The Foreign Ministry criticized what it termed U.S. "coercion," which it claims influenced Panama's choice amid threats from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding its control over the Panama Canal, according to a statement made by spokesperson Lin Jian. The shift is significant as it follows increased scrutiny from U.S. officials criticizing Chinese influence in the region. In response, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has publicly rejected these pressures and labeled U.S. claims as "lies and falsehoods," particularly regarding rights to the canal. The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi Jinping’s flagship foreign policy aimed at enhancing global connectivity, has faced mixed reactions, with concerns about debts incurred by participating nations. Observers note that Panama's decision signals a potential U.S. gain in influence, although some speculate future negotiations might address shared interests concerning canal operations.

The Guna community on Gardi Sugdub, a low-lying island in Panama, has become the first group in the country to relocate due to climate change threats. Rising sea levels are expected to make the island uninhabitable by 2050, according to local officials and scientists. In June 2024, around 1,000 residents moved to Isberyala, a new settlement on the mainland, while about 100 chose to remain due to overcrowding and skepticism about climate risks. The government allocated approximately $15 million for the new settlement, supported by additional funding from the Inter-American Development Bank. While the new community offers better living conditions—including more space and stable electricity—some residents, like Delfino Davies, express sadness over leaving their cultural roots tied to the sea. Concerns persist over the setup of essential services in Isberyala, such as healthcare and consistent water supply. As discussions about further relocations continue, experts highlight the Guna’s situation as a model for other communities facing similar climate threats.

The Guna community on the low-lying island of Gardi Sugdub, Panama, has officially begun relocation due to the imminent threat posed by rising sea levels, which scientists predict could render the island uninhabitable by 2050. Over 1,000 residents moved to the new settlement Isberyala in June, while approximately 100 opted to stay, citing overcrowding and personal ties to their original home, according to Delfino Davies, a community leader. The relocation, costing around $15 million and supported by the Panamanian government and the Inter-American Development Bank, aims to provide essential amenities lacking on Gardi Sugdub. Conditions are reportedly better in Isberyala, though challenges remain, such as inconsistent water supply and a lack of healthcare facilities. Experts like Steve Paton from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute emphasize that many coastal communities will face similar fates due to climate change. While the government views this move as a necessary response, community members like Magdalena Martínez express mixed feelings, highlighting their deep connection to the island and the cultural significance of their traditional way of life.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has vehemently denied U.S. State Department claims that Panama has agreed to exempt U.S. government vessels from tolls for transiting the Panama Canal. Mulino described the assertion as an “intolerable falsehood,” following remarks from President Donald Trump about reclaiming sovereignty over the canal. The controversy arose when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Panama, indicated that the current influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the region posed a threat to U.S. interests in the canal. Rubio emphasized the U.S. treaty obligation to protect the waterway, suggesting military measures could be necessary should it come under threat. In light of rising tensions, Mulino is scheduled for a phone call with Trump, as diplomatic relations between the two countries appear strained. Analysts believe a military intervention to reclaim control over the canal is unlikely, yet Trump's rhetoric reflects broader concerns regarding China's expanding influence in Latin America.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino announced the withdrawal from a 2017 agreement to join China's Belt and Road Initiative following escalating threats from US President Donald Trump regarding control of the Panama Canal. According to reports, Trump accused Panama of ceding control to China and warned he may seek to reassert US control over the strategic waterway, which was transferred to Panama in 1999 under a treaty allowing US intervention if operations were threatened. In a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mulino stated that he would address US concerns about Chinese influence over the canal, emphasizing that Panama’s sovereignty was not negotiable. Despite pressure from the US government, Mulino downplayed Rubio's warnings, stating they contained "no real threat" and that his administration would prioritize strengthening relations with the US. Additionally, Mulino indicated that Panama would conduct an audit of a company linked to China that operates near the canal, further illustrating his administration's response to US demands for decreased Chinese presence.

Panama's President Raúl Mulino emphasized the country's sovereignty over the Panama Canal during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 2, 2025. He rejected any notion of U.S. control and announced that Panama would not renew a memorandum of understanding with China concerning the Belt and Road Initiative, indicating that the agreement could potentially end early, according to The Associated Press. Mulino stated that Panama seeks to enhance U.S. investments in infrastructure projects, portraying the dialogue as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. Rubio expressed U.S. concerns regarding China’s influence in the canal region, highlighting the need for protective measures to uphold U.S. rights under a longstanding treaty on the canal's neutrality. In a related matter, Mulino mentioned ongoing audits of a company linked to China operating terminals near the canal, stressing that the audits are crucial before any legal actions. Additionally, discussions included potential expansions of a migrant repatriation program, with Mulino specifying that the U.S. would bear associated costs.

In a significant diplomatic meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino to mitigate perceived Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, threatening potential repercussions from the United States. This meeting, held on February 2, 2025, marks Rubio's first international trip in his new role and follows increasing pressure from the U.S. government, which has long expressed concerns over China's presence in the strategically vital waterway. According to a State Department summary, Rubio emphasized that President Trump views Chinese activities in the canal area as a violation of the 1999 treaty, which established the canal's neutrality after control was transferred to Panama. "Absent immediate changes, it would require the United States to take measures necessary to protect its rights under the treaty," the summary stated. President Mulino, however, dismissed the notion of an imminent threat to treaty validity, asserting that his administration has resisted U.S. pressures. Following their discussions, Mulino mentioned the potential acceptance of direct deportations from the U.S. of non-Panamanian migrants, contingent upon U.S. financial support for the initiative.

Panama City hosts U.S. Senator Marco Rubio this weekend as escalating tensions surround the Panama Canal, a critical maritime route. Following President Donald Trump's controversial claims regarding alleged Chinese military presence at the canal and threats of military action, local leaders are on high alert. Former President Ernesto Pérez Balladares predicts “many casualties” if conflicts escalate, according to his statements reported in local media. During Rubio's diplomatic visit, expectations remain high for potential concessions from Panamanian officials, with Trump’s envoy suggesting that Panama might allow U.S. naval access to the canal without tolls. However, anti-American sentiments linger, with many Panamanians questioning Trump’s assertions regarding China’s influence. Evidence of a growing Chinese presence has strained U.S.-Panama relations, as China has invested significantly in the region, making it a key trading partner. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino maintains that the canal's sovereignty is non-negotiable, and discussions are ongoing to de-escalate the situation without conceding control, as highlighted by official statements.

Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, has officially filed a complaint with the United Nations in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the Panama Canal was a gift from the United States. Mulino emphasized Panama's sovereignty and its ownership of the canal, reinforcing that it does not belong to the U.S. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino rejected any form of foreign interference and reiterated his country's commitment to neutrality. In addition to the complaint, Panama is auditing port operators linked to Hong Kong, amid rising tensions surrounding the canal. The situation has garnered international support, with both Russia and China backing Panama's stance and advocating for adherence to international law. Meanwhile, Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has also spoken out against U.S. acquisition threats, calling for self-determination in the context of escalating tensions in the Arctic.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has formally challenged U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the Panama Canal was a gift from the United States. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino emphasized that the canal is Panamanian property, underlining the country's sovereignty and its commitment to neutrality free from foreign interference. The Panamanian government has submitted a complaint to the United Nations concerning Trump's remarks about potential seizure, while also conducting audits of port operators linked to Hong Kong. In a show of international support, both Russia and China have backed Panama's position, calling for adherence to international law. In a related matter, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has rejected any U.S. acquisition plans, advocating for self-determination in the face of Arctic tensions.

Rudiger Koch, a 59-year-old German aerospace engineer, has set a new world record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurisation, spending a remarkable 120 days in a submerged capsule off the coast of Panama. Koch emerged from his 30-square-meter home located 11 meters underwater on January 25, 2025, celebrated by Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes. Koch's achievement surpassed the previous record of 100 days set by American Joseph Dituri, who lived in an underwater lodge in Florida. After his record-breaking stay, Koch expressed a mix of excitement and regret, stating, "It was a great adventure and now it’s over there’s almost a sense of regret actually." He enjoyed the unique beauty of the underwater environment, describing the calming dark waters and glowing sea. During his time underwater, Koch's capsule was equipped with basic modern amenities, including a bed, toilet, TV, and internet access, with plenty of food delivered by visitors. He was also monitored 24/7 by cameras to ensure he remained below the surface for the entire duration of the record attempt. Koch hopes that his record will encourage people to consider the seas as a viable environment for human expansion and habitation. He celebrated his achievement with champagne and a cigar before being taken back to shore, where a party awaited him.

Panama is facing a wave of unease following United States President Donald Trump's remarks during his second inauguration, where he threatened to "take back" the Panama Canal, reigniting fears of U.S. military intervention similar to the 1989 invasion. The comments have prompted diplomatic efforts and controversy in the Latin American nation, which regained control of the canal in 1999. Panamanian officials have firmly rejected Trump's claims of Chinese influence over the canal's operations, with Ilya Espino de Marotta, deputy administrator of the Panama Canal, highlighting the autonomous management by Panamanians. "We are an autonomous entity," she stated, encouraging officials from the U.S. to visit and witness the transparency of operations. Trump's rhetoric has raised concerns among Panamanians, with many recalling the historical context of U.S. military actions in the country. Former President Martín Torrijos emphasized that the era of U.S. military dominance in Panama has ended, noting, "The times where the U.S. had a military presence in Panama – that finished on December 31, 1999." Despite the low likelihood of military action, Panama's economy, which relies significantly on the canal, remains at risk due to potential U.S. economic pressure. The announcement of audits on ports involved in canal operations, including those owned by a Hong Kong-based company, adds another layer of tension. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to visit the region soon, discussions surrounding the canal and U.S.-Panama relations are likely to continue. As Panamanians grapple with these developments, sentiments range from fear to defiance, with some officials hopeful for constructive dialogue while others express anger at external threats to their sovereignty.

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino has formally submitted a complaint to the United Nations in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the Panama Canal was a gift from the United States. Mulino firmly rejected this claim during a speech at the Davos Conference, emphasizing that the canal is the rightful property of Panama and highlighting the nation's sovereignty. In his remarks, Mulino criticized any foreign interference in Panama's affairs and reiterated the country's commitment to neutrality. The complaint follows Trump's threats concerning the canal, which prompted Panama to audit port operators connected to Hong Kong. Mulino's stance has garnered support from Russia and China, both of which have called for respect for international law regarding the issue. In a related context, Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede also voiced a rejection of any U.S. acquisition proposals, advocating for self-determination amidst rising tensions in the Arctic region.

Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's recent claims regarding the Panama Canal, stating that it was never a gift from the United States and firmly belongs to Panama. During a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mulino emphasized the importance of Panama’s sovereignty and reiterated the nation's stance against foreign interference. In response to Trump's threats involving the potential seizure of the canal, Panama has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations. The Panamanian government is also conducting audits of port operators linked to Hong Kong to ensure compliance with national laws. Support for Panama's position has emerged from both Russia and China, who have called for adherence to international law in this matter. In related developments, Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede has also rejected any U.S. proposals for the acquisition of Greenland, advocating for the territory's self-determination amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region.