Readout of Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall’s Visit to Panama and Colombia | The White HouseSkip to contentYou have JavaScript disabled. Please enable JavaScript to use this feature.Toggle High Contrast Toggle High Contrast Toggle Large Font Size Toggle Large Font Size The White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search term SearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search term SearchSeptember 08, 2023 Readout of Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall’s Visit to Panama and Colombia Home Briefing Room Statements and Releases Between September 5-7, 2023, Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall led an interagency delegation to Panama and Colombia to advance our joint efforts with regional partners to address the urgent humanitarian situation and growing migration challenge in the Darien jungle region.While in Panama, Sherwood-Randall met with President Laurentino Cortizo. They discussed the necessity to effectively reduce the unprecedented irregular migratory flows in the region and the importance of both increasing enforcement measures to deter irregular movement and expanding safe legal pathways for migration. Dr. Sherwood-Randall expressed appreciation for the important contribution Panama is making in offering Temporary Protected Status to migrants in Panama within the framework of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.While in Colombia, Sherwood-Randall met with Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva to discuss the important initiatives that Colombia is pursuing in collaboration with the United States to disrupt transnational criminal groups that are exploiting migrants. She expressed appreciation for cooperation in the opening of new U.S. Secure Mobility Offices in Colombia. She also described the critical need to build on these efforts to both deter irregular migration and address the humanitarian and environmental crisis in the Darien region.In both countries, Sherwood-Randall conducted field visits to the Darien jungle to assess what additional steps the United States can take to support our regional partners in reducing irregular migration and providing humanitarian relief.Members of the delegation included Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma, Combatant Commander of the U.S. Southern Command General Laura Richardson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Melissa Dalton, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at the Department of Homeland Security Blas Nunez-Neto, Special Assistant to the President and NSC Coordinator for the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Katie Tobin, and Director of Operations at U.S. Southern Command Rear Admiral Thomas Allan. ### Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Twitterhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/08/readout-of-homeland-security-advisor-dr-liz-sherwood-randalls-visit-to-panama-and-colombia/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowTwitterOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top
