As US and Mexico seek more migrant deportation flights, Venezuelans press on

FILE PHOTO: A migrant carries a child as they along with others continue their journey to the U.S. border, in Acandi, Colombia July 9, 2023. REUTERS/Adri Salido/File Photo

METETI, Panama (Reuters) - Despite a planned increase in deportation flights from the U.S. in an attempt to stem growing numbers of migrants arriving through the border with Mexico, several Venezuelans making the journey said they would not be deterred.

"This comes as a surprise ... but going back isn't an option for me," said Kelvin Romero, 25, who had recently entered Panama, having crossed the perilous Darien jungle from Colombia - a common route for Latin American migrants headed to the U.S.