Panama is currently housing nearly 300 deported individuals from various countries in a hotel, a situation that has drawn significant attention as they await arrangements for their return. The deportees were sent to Panama as part of a controversial agreement linked to U.S. immigration policies under former President Donald Trump. This arrangement has led to the migrants being confined in hotel rooms, unable to leave while they await assistance from international authorities.
The group of deportees includes individuals from ten primarily Asian nations, such as Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Many of these countries present challenges for direct deportation, prompting the U.S. to utilize Panama as a temporary stopover. Reports indicate that over 40% of these migrants are reluctant to return to their home countries. Some have even resorted to displaying distress messages from their hotel windows, pleading for help.
Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Alexis Abrego, stated that the migrants are receiving medical care and food as part of a migration agreement with the U.S. He emphasized that the Panamanian government is acting as a "bridge" for deportees, with the U.S. covering all associated costs. This agreement was solidified following a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this month.
The situation has raised concerns among human rights advocates, particularly as images of migrants peering out from their hotel windows circulate, highlighting their precarious situation. Abrego has denied that the migrants are being detained, despite the heavy police presence at the hotel, which restricts their movement.
Of the 299 deportees currently in Panama, 171 have reportedly agreed to return voluntarily with assistance from the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. Refugee Agency. Discussions are ongoing to find alternative destinations for the remaining individuals who do not wish to return home. Notably, one deported Irish citizen has already been successfully returned to her country.
The Panamanian government faces political pressure regarding this arrangement, especially in light of threats from Trump to regain control of the Panama Canal. The unfolding events have highlighted the complexities of international deportation policies and their impact on vulnerable populations. The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office is expected to provide further updates on the situation of the deportees in the coming days.