Panama and US Sign Deal to Repatriate Migrants Across Darien Gap

The US government has agreed to cover the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally, as part of a memorandum of agreement signed by the new foreign minister of Panama and the US Homeland Security Secretary. The agreement aims to "close off" the passage of illegal migrants through the Darien Gap, a region known for its treacherous terrain and high risk of human trafficking. According to reports, last year saw a record 520,000 migrants attempt to traverse the gap.