Spurned by the US, some migrants are returning to South America on boat

CNN — A growing number of Latin American migrants who have given up hope of reaching the United States are returning to their home countries in South America through a sea route in Panama, which poses new risks, according to authorities. Instead of trekking through the treacherous Darien Jungle between North and South America – as thousands had done on their way to the United States – many migrants are now boarding small boats on Panama’s Caribbean coast, making their way toward Colombia by sea. The Panamanian foreign ministry said it regretted what happened and added that the country “reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation and respect for human rights, particularly in situations involving people in vulnerable conditions.” Indigenous community overwhelmed These boat rides are happening in the Guna Yala indigenous territory of northeastern Panama. On Sunday alone, at least 110 migrants sought boat rides from the ports of the Guna Yala region to the Colombian port town of Necoclí, Merry said. In a statement shared Sunday, the community called on the Panama and US governments, “and international organizations to suspend the massive arrival of migrants to our territory.” Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego said Tuesday that the boat rides are happening “with the full knowledge” of authorities in the Guna Yala region.