Help us! Migrants plead for freedom as Panama becomes US deportation hub

World News: Nearly 300 migrants from various countries deported under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are currently being held in a Panamanian hotel, unable to leave as they await repatriation. Many of these individuals, who originate from 10 countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, are reluctant to return to their homeland. According to Panamanian authorities, over 40% of the deportees have refused to return voluntarily, leaving them in a state of legal uncertainty. Some migrants have resorted to holding messages against their windows, reading "Help" and "We are not safe in our country," pleading for international intervention.

Panama’s role as a transit hub for deportees

The U.S. has struggled to deport individuals directly to some countries, prompting the use of Panama as a stopover destination. Costa Rica is also expected to receive a similar deportation flight soon. Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, assured that the migrants are receiving medical care and food, as per a migration agreement between Panama and the U.S. Under this deal, Panama serves as a transit hub while the U.S. covers all related costs. The agreement was finalized following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit earlier this month.

Growing Concerns Over Migrants’ Confinement

The Panamanian government has faced criticism over the detainment-like conditions. Although officials deny that the migrants are being detained, they are unable to leave their guarded hotel rooms, heightening concerns about their welfare.  Images of desperate migrants peering through hotel windows and displaying messages of distress have sparked outrage among human rights activists. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, already under political pressure over Trump’s warnings regarding U.S. control of the Panama Canal, announced the arrival of deportation flights last Thursday.

Efforts to repatriate or relocate migrants

So far, 171 of the 299 deportees have agreed to return to their home countries with assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the U.N. Refugee Agency. However, 128 migrants remain in limbo as officials seek alternative destinations for them. One deported Irish citizen has already been successfully repatriated, while those unwilling to return will be temporarily relocated to a facility in Panama’s remote Darien province, a region frequently used as a migration route to the north. The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office was expected to provide further details on the deportees’ situation later Tuesday.