Panama's opposition leaders are accusing the U.S. of a "camouflaged invasion" after Trump deployed troops to former military bases near the Panama Canal.

"We certainly understand that the Panama Canal is in Panama, and protecting Panamanian sovereignty from malign influence is important", said Secretary of Defense Hegseth when asked about sovereignty

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the possibility of reestablishing a U.S. military presence in the country to help secure the Panama Canal, a proposal that was swiftly rejected by Panamanian officials.

Hegseth suggested during a visit to Panama that "by invitation" the United States could "revive" military bases or naval air stations and rotate deployments of US troops to an isthmus the United States invaded 35 years ago.

"I am very pleased to have fulfilled my promise and closed the Darién, with all that this means for regional and Panamanian security," said President José Raúl Mulino

Panama's government reports that 2,200 migrants have crossed back into the country heading south this year while only 408 migrants traveled north

The White House has instructed the U.S. military to draft options for increasing the American troop presence in Panama

House Democrats launched efforts last week to block Trump from using military to occupy Canada, Greenland or the Panama Canal as tensions escalate.

Panama's government has released dozens of migrants who were deported from the United States and held for weeks in a remote detention camp

Trump has previously rejected assuring the U.S. won't use force to regain control of the waterway as he expresses concerns over alleged Chinese influence

Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison sold control of a unit that operates ports near the Panama Canal to BlackRock as Trump alleges the canal is controlled by China

Costa Rican authorities have raised concerns about inadequate medical evaluations and the conditions of U.S. deportees held in detention facilities near the Panamanian border

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

The former US ambassador to Panama harshly criticized President Donald Trump, specifically the President's approach towards relations with Latin American nations, comparing him to the merciless fictional mob boss Tony Soprano.

The migrants were being kept in a hotel, prevented from going out, and later relocated. "There are fenced cages," a deportee said

Some 100 migrants who stayed at a hotel in Panama City were relocated. Deportees told The New York Times that they are not safe in their home countries

A New York Times investigation shows the Panamanian government is holding migrants deported from the U.S. against their will in a hotel in Panama City.

The decision could reshape economic ties in the region as U.S.-China tensions escalate.

Panama Ports Company -- a CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary -- currently manages the ports of Cristobal on the canal's Atlantic side and Balboa on the Pacific side.

On his first trip overseas as the top US diplomat, Rubio took a guided tour of the canal accompanied by its Panamanian administrator as a South Korean-affiliated oil tanker and Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship passed through the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The visit follows Trump's pledge to "take back" the Panama Canal, as China's growing influence in Latin America sparks concerns among Republican leaders.

Jose Raul Mulino said he won't discuss control of the canal during the secretary of state's visit. Rubio, in contrast, said "we're going to address that topic."

Jose Raul Mulino said the matter is "sealed" as the "canal belongs to Panama"

The accusation takes place during the same week that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the country in his first international trip since assuming the role

The nonbinding resolution comes amid concerns from Trump and his allies about China's expanding influence in Latin America.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the government in Panama City referred to an article of the UN Charter precluding any member from "the threat or use of force" against the territorial integrity or political independence of another.

"China is using the Panama Canal and we did not give it to China. We gave it to Panama. And we will get it back," Trump said during his inauguration

Analysts believe takeover comments could be aimed at getting lower fees, but they could also push Panama to embrace China

About 3% of U.S. cattle comes from Mexico, with two thirds of it in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma

Trump also announced on Truth Social that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., would visit Greenland this week as part of efforts to engage with the island