The decision comes as a growing number of migrants give up on seeking asylum in the U.S., often after crossing the perilous jungles dividing Colombia and Panama.

Panama said on Tuesday that it's working to formalize a route long used to smuggle migrants on the way to the U.S., which is now being increasingly used to return migrants to South America in a reverse flow triggered by the Trump administration.

The ordeal of those returning has been further highlighted a tragedy last Friday, when a boat carrying 21 migrants capsized in rough waters