“Belize Is Not Ready”: Panton Warns Against ‘Safe Third Country’ Deal with U.S.

Should Belize agree to take in asylum seekers from the United States under a new migration deal? The Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Taegar Panton, is warning that the country could be taking on more than it can manage if the proposed “Safe Third Country” Agreement goes forward.

She said in a press release that the deal could overwhelm Belize’s fragile immigration system. She said, “Belize’s immigration and asylum departments remain understaffed, underfunded, and ill-equipped to adequately process, monitor, and support asylum seekers.”

Panton warned that without proper resources, the arrangement could expose Belize to “national, social, and security risks.”

The agreement, now nearing completion, would allow asylum seekers in the U.S. to be sent to Belize while their refugee claims are processed, a move the government says balances humanity with sovereignty.

Panton called on the government to pause and consult with the public before making any binding commitments. “The UDP Parliamentarian Caucus joins me in calling for immediate consultations with all key stakeholders,” she said. “There must be full public disclosure of the terms and conditions before any final decision is made.”

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed at Friday’s house meeting that talks are advanced and insisted that the framework includes “multiple safeguards,” such as limits on transferees, restrictions on nationalities, and full veto power for Belize over who is accepted.