Illegal migrants deported by US seek help in Panama hotel, India responds
PTC Web Desk: India is actively collaborating with Panamanian authorities to ensure the welfare of Indian migrants who were deported from the United States and relocated to Panama. The Indian Embassy in Panama has confirmed that the migrants are safe and housed in a hotel with adequate facilities.
According to an official statement from the embassy, Panamanian authorities have provided consular access to the Indian nationals. "Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have arrived in 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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from US
They are safe and secure at a
Hotel with all essential facilities
Embassy team has obtained consular access
We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their wellbeing pic.twitter.com/fdFT82YVhS — India in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica (@IndiainPanama) February 20, 2025
The embassy's statement follows a recent report indicating that nearly 300 persons from multiple countries, including India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, were deported from the US. Some of these individuals displayed messages for help on their hotel room windows, with one sign reading, "We are not safe in our country."
Panama, however, has denied allegations of holding the deportees against their will. Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, clarified that the deported migrants are receiving medical attention and food as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the US. However, they are not permitted to leave the hotel until international authorities finalise arrangements for their return to their respective home countries.
The United States has been using Panama as a transit point for deported individuals due to logistical challenges in directly repatriating migrants to certain nations. Costa Rica is also expected to receive a similar flight carrying third-country deportees soon.
The latest deportations come amid a renewed crackdown on undocumented migrants under the US administration. Former President Donald Trump, who pursued stringent immigration policies, had described some undocumented migrants as "monsters" and "animals" during his election campaign. Upon assuming office, Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border and vowed to deport "millions and millions" of undocumented individuals.
- With inputs from agencies
