Venezuelan migrants reverse course, return home by sea

Dozens of Venezuelan migrants boarded small boats from Gardi Sugdub island in Panama on Monday, setting off on a reverse journey toward Colombia, giving up on reaching the United States.

Dozens of Venezuelan migrants boarded boats on Gardi Sugdub island off the coast of Panama on Monday, beginning a reverse migration toward Colombia after failing to reach the United States.

At least six boats, each carrying more than a dozen people, departed for Playa Miel near the Colombian border. From there, the migrants plan to continue south to their native Venezuela.

The return follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on unlawful migration, including broad bans on asylum. Fabiola Rodriguez, a Venezuelan migrant, cited the lack of clarity about repatriation options as a key reason for her decision to return home.

A tragedy struck over the weekend when a Venezuelan girl died after a boat carrying migrants capsized, Panamanian authorities reported.

Daniel Gonzalez, traveling with his family, said, “Of course, we wanted to reach the United States to have a better life. But that wasn’t possible.”

The reverse migration highlights the dangers and challenges facing migrants seeking better opportunities but ultimately forced to return home.

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