New Delhi: Panama finds itself grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis, hosting nearly 300 migrants deported from the United States under the Trump administration. These individuals, hailing from countries including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, are currently confined to a hotel under a controversial migration agreement between Panama and the US.
The situation is fraught with tension. Over 40 per cent of the deportees refuse to return to their home countries, citing safety concerns. Distressing images have emerged of migrants displaying desperate pleas for help from their hotel windows, highlighting their precarious situation and fear of returning home. Their messages reveal a deep sense of vulnerability and a lack of trust in assurances of safe repatriation with some pleading for “help” and stating “We are not save (sic) in our country”.
The United States, facing difficulties in directly deporting individuals to certain countries, has utilised Panama as a transit point. Costa Rica is also expected to receive a similar group of deportees. While 171 of the 299 migrants have agreed to return to their home countries with assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency, the fate of the remaining 128 remains uncertain.
Panama’s government, acting as a “bridge” for these deportees, is attempting to secure alternative destinations for those refusing repatriation. The US is covering all costs associated with this operation, an agreement announced earlier this month following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, the arrangement has not been without political pressure on Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who is facing threats from Trump over the Panama Canal.
Those refusing repatriation will be temporarily held in a facility in the Darien province, a remote region known for its challenging terrain and perilous migration routes. This decision has raised concerns among human rights advocates. The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office is expected to release further details on the migrants’ condition.
