In a complex and sensitive situation, Panama is currently housing nearly 300 individuals from various countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, who were deported from the United States under President Donald Trump.
In a delicate and intricate scenario, Panama is currently accommodating nearly 300 individuals from a range of countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, who were deported from the United States during President Donald Trump’s administration. These migrants are being housed in a hotel where they receive medical care and meals, as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the US, according to Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego. However, they are prohibited from leaving the hotel while international authorities work on arranging their repatriation.
A notable challenge has emerged, as over 40% of these migrants are reluctant to return to their home countries voluntarily. Some have even taken to displaying urgent messages on their hotel windows, asking for “help” and declaring, “We are not safe in our country.”
The US has been utilizing Panama as a transit point for deportees due to complications in deporting individuals directly to certain nations. Costa Rica is also anticipated to receive a similar flight of third-country deportees soon.
Abrego further explained that 171 out of the 299 deportees have consented to return to their home countries with the support of the International Organisation for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency. Meanwhile, the remaining 128 migrants are still undergoing processing, with efforts underway to identify alternative destinations for them in third countries. One deported Irish citizen has already successfully returned home, while those who refuse to go back will be temporarily housed in a facility located in the remote Darien province.
The Panamanian government has agreed to act as a “bridge” for deportees, with the US covering all operational costs. This agreement was revealed earlier this month following a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino is facing political pressure due to Trump’s threats regarding the Panama Canal, further complicating the situation.