The U.S. Embassy in Panama has donated six vehicles to Panama’s National Migration Service as part of a continuing partnership aimed at addressing illegal immigration. The handover took place at the Presidential Hangar of Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, where U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera presented the vehicle keys to Frank Ábrego, Panama’s Minister of Public Security.
The fleet includes two Toyota Hi-Lux trucks, two 15-passenger vans, and two 52-passenger buses, with a combined value close to $600,000. This donation is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and follows an earlier contribution under the U.S.-Panama Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on illegal immigration. With this second delivery, total vehicle donations under the agreement now exceed $850,000.
According to officials, the MOU has contributed significantly to restricting northbound illegal migration through Panama’s Darien region. The agreement aligns with U.S. efforts to curb unauthorized entry into its territory and supports broader regional strategies against illegal migration.
During a June 2025 visit by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, it was announced that the MOU would be extended through 2027 with an additional $7.15 million in funding. In total, approximately $14 million has been pledged by the United States to assist Panama in removing migrants who do not have legal grounds to stay in the country. The current vehicle donation is the first since this extension.
After the handover ceremony, Ambassador Cabrera and Minister Ábrego observed a charter flight returning 40 undocumented migrants to Colombia as part of ongoing repatriation operations.
“These vehicles will support the development of the air returns program and will enable officials from the National Migration Service to bolster border security & combat illegal migration,” stated U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera. “This program has played a critical role shutting down illegal immigration in the Darién, reflecting the effectiveness of our bilateral collaboration under Presidents Trump and Mulino.”
“These resources strengthen our ability to respond to migratory challenges, allowing us to operate with greater efficiency, security, and a humanitarian focus. They are key tools for advancing toward orderly, regulated mobility that respects the fundamental rights of every individual,” stated Minister Frank Abrego.
As of September 30th this year, Panamanian authorities have conducted 59 repatriation charter flights and 43 commercial flights sending individuals back to countries including Colombia, Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Cameroon, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.