US Homeland Security head in Panama to talk drugs, migrants


News from Panama / Tuesday, August 27th, 2019

The U.S. acting homeland security secretary has arrived in Panama to discuss drug trafficking and migrant smuggling, though Kevin McAleenan says he isn’t seeking any specific agreement during the visit.

Panama has been the bridge for many migrants from Haiti, Africa and Asia who arrive in South America seeking to reach the U.S. border. Panama is also a route for cocaine and other drugs moving up from South America.

In statements before he arrived Wednesday, McAleenan said the United States wants to involve Colombia and Costa Rica in talks on how to handle the flow of migrants.

Panama is reviewing its current policy of providing camps for migrants who enter by a narrow jungle land bridge from South America and then allowing them to move north.

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