Panama Foreign Minister Regrets Detentions of Citizens at U.S. Border

Panamanian citizens visiting Canada's Niagara Falls have found themselves in a difficult situation, facing temporary detention by U.S. immigration authorities after inadvertently crossing the border. Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances but emphasized the need to respect each country's sovereign right to manage its borders.

"It is sad, but we also have to understand that each country is sovereign in managing its borders and how people enter," Martínez-Acha stated. He suggested that a pragmatic solution might have been possible but ultimately deferred to the decisions made by U.S. officials.

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It is sad, but we also have to understand that each country is sovereign in managing its borders and how people enter.

The issue gained attention after the Panamanian Embassy in Canada issued a warning to nationals visiting the Niagara Falls area, particularly near Buffalo. The embassy reported that several travelers entered the U.S. unintentionally due to driving confusion or misinterpreting road signs. These individuals lacked the necessary visas for entry into the United States.

Panamanian authorities are urging travelers to remain attentive to routes and signage in border regions and to verify entry requirements for all countries they might visit. While acknowledging the concern these incidents cause, Minister Martínez-Acha reiterated Panama's commitment to respecting U.S. immigration measures and continuing to provide consular support to affected citizens.

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I think perhaps a pragmatic solution could have been found, but the countries' decisions on their borders must be respected.