Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deported migrants from various countries in a hotel, where they are unable to leave as they await arrangements for their return to their home countries. These individuals, primarily from Asian countries, were deported under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The migrants, who come from countries such as India, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and China, are stuck in a legal limbo. Authorities have confirmed that more than 40% of them are refusing to return voluntarily to their home countries. To communicate their distress, many migrants have been holding up messages in the windows of their hotel rooms, with phrases such as “Help” and “We are not safe in our country.”
The U.S. has encountered difficulties in directly deporting some of these migrants to their home countries, leading Panama to serve as a temporary transit point for deportees. Costa Rica was also expected to receive a similar flight of deported individuals.
Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, assured the public that the detained migrants are receiving necessary medical attention and food, in line with the migration agreement between Panama and the U.S. Under this agreement, Panama has agreed to act as a “bridge” for deported individuals, with the U.S. covering all associated costs. This deal was finalized after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama earlier this month.
Despite the logistical efforts, the migrants confinement in the hotel has raised concerns, particularly when images emerged showing them pleading for help. The migrants, housed on high floors of the hotel, display messages on their windows, adding to the urgency of their situation.
While Minister Abrego denies that the migrants are being detained, the reality remains that they cannot leave the hotel, which police heavily guard. According to Abrego, 171 of the 299 deported individuals have agreed to return to their countries with the help of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The remaining 128 are in talks with U.N. agencies to find suitable third-country destinations. In one case, authorities successfully returned an Irish citizen to her home country.
Panama has indicated that it will temporarily transfer those who refuse to return voluntarily to a remote facility in the Darien province. This area, known for its challenging terrain, has been a major crossing point for migrants traveling north in recent years.
The situation has sparked criticism and concern, with the Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office expected to release more details on the status of the deportees later this week. As the migrant crisis unfolds, the world is watching closely to see how Panama and international agencies will handle the growing humanitarian challenges at the intersection of migration, politics, and international law.
