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.
Read next
04:07
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that weapons alone do not define military power, stressing that ideology and loyalty are key to strengthening the country’s armed forces, state media reported on Tuesday.
03:52
French President Emmanuel Macron told U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday that Europe is ready to increase defence spending but stressed the need for strong U.S. involvement in securing a Ukraine peace deal.
03:27
The Trump administration has revoked a Biden-era policy requiring the U.S. government to report potential violations of international law involving U.S.-supplied weapons, officials confirmed on Monday.
02:57
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Russia is not opposed to Europe’s involvement in U.S.-Russia peace talks on Ukraine but noted that Brussels had long refused dialogue with Moscow.
02:38
A federal judge denied the Associated Press' request to restore full White House access after President Donald Trump's administration barred its reporters for continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its original name.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment