In a recent development, Panama has taken in almost 300 individuals from different countries who were deported under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. These individuals are currently being held in a hotel and are not allowed to leave until international authorities arrange for their return to their home countries.
Authorities have indicated that over 40% of the deportees are unwilling to return voluntarily to their countries of origin. Disturbing messages such as 'Help' and 'We are not safe in our country' were seen displayed on the windows of the hotel rooms where the migrants are being housed.
The deportees come from 10 predominantly Asian countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Due to challenges in directly deporting individuals to certain countries, Panama is serving as a temporary stopover. Costa Rica is also expected to receive a similar group of deportees in the near future.
Security Minister Frank Abrego has assured that the migrants are receiving necessary medical attention and food as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the U.S. The agreement, which was established following a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, designates Panama as a transit country for deportees, with the U.S. covering all associated costs.
Despite the migrants being unable to leave their hotel rooms, Abrego has denied that they are being detained, emphasizing that the premises are being guarded by police. Of the 299 deportees, 171 have agreed to return voluntarily to their home countries with assistance from international organizations. Efforts are underway to find suitable destinations in third countries for the remaining 128 individuals.
For those who refuse to return to their countries of origin, temporary accommodation will be provided in a facility located in the remote Darien province. This region has been a transit point for hundreds of thousands of migrants heading north in recent years.
The situation of the deportees has sparked concern in Panama, particularly as images circulated showing migrants seeking help through their hotel windows. The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office is expected to provide further updates on the deportees' status in the coming days.
