Panama becomes 'Bridge' for US deportations: 50 Indians among hundreds stranded

The Congress party on Thursday criticized the United States for deporting 50 Indian nationals to Panama instead of sending them back to India. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. “We would have thought that Indian citizens deported by the Trump Administration would be sent back to India with dignity. Such deportations have taken place in a most inhuman and demeaning manner. Now come reports that more Indian citizens have been deported but to Panama. What is going on?” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

India assures support for deportees in Panama

The Indian government has responded, stating that it is working closely with Panamanian authorities to ensure the well-being of the deported Indian nationals. “Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from the US. They are safe and secure at a hotel with all essential facilities. The embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their well-being,” the Indian Embassy in Panama posted on X.

299 illegal immigrants sent to Panama

The 50 Indian nationals are part of a larger group of 299 undocumented migrants deported from the US to Panama. These deportations occurred on three flights last week after Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino agreed to make his country a "bridge" for deportees. Of the 299 migrants, only 171 have agreed to return to their respective countries, according to reports. However, 98 deportees who refused voluntary repatriation have been placed in a camp in Panama’s Darien province. The group includes migrants from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, as confirmed by President Mulino.

Desperate migrants plead for help

Reports from Reuters and AP indicate that some migrants staying at a hotel in Panama City were seen holding hands and peering out of windows to attract media attention. Migrants inside their hotel rooms held up signs reading “Help” and “We are not save (sic) in our country.” The situation highlights the distress faced by deportees who fear returning to their home nations.