Breaking News: 299 Migrants Deported from US to Panama, Including Over 50 Indians

NEW DELHI: Indian officials are currently working to confirm the nationality of about 50 individuals who were among 299 migrants recently deported by the US to Panama. The Indian embassy has reported that these individuals are safe at a hotel in Panama City.

Once their nationality is confirmed, the embassy plans to issue emergency certificates to help them return to India. The US has started sending undocumented migrants from various Asian countries to Central America, including Panama and Costa Rica, especially those who refuse to go back or whose home countries won’t accept them.

The Indian embassy in Panama has reassured that all necessary support is being provided. They stated, “They are safe and secure at the hotel with essential facilities. Our team has gained access to assist them.” All presumed Indians are currently staying at the Decapolis Hotel, a four-star establishment acting as a temporary shelter for deported migrants.

According to sources, the Indians at the hotel were not part of a recent group that was relocated to a camp in the Darien jungle, a dangerous region in southern Panama. A representative mentioned, “The individuals in question are safe and awaiting the verification process.” The US is expected to arrange their repatriation swiftly.

As of now, Panama’s security ministry has mentioned that 13 of the 299 migrants have already been sent back to their countries, while 175 remain at the hotel for further processing. Public security minister Frank Ábrego noted that migrants unwilling to return home will need to consider relocating to a third country.

Armed personnel from Panama’s National Aeronaval Service are monitoring the hotel, ensuring the deported migrants do not leave the premises. Some deportees have expressed their distress on social media, sharing images from their windows and asking for help.

The Panamanian government is facilitating these stays with support from the US through organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The group of deported migrants includes individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Vietnam, reflecting a diverse range of nationalities.

This approach of deporting migrants to Central America is part of a broader strategy adopted by the previous US administration to reduce the number of undocumented individuals in the country. However, this strategy has faced criticism from human rights organizations concerned about the treatment of these migrants.

Costa Rica has also announced plans to accept 200 migrants from India and Central Asia, another move seen as part of this ongoing situation. This recent wave has already seen 332 Indians deported through military flights, indicating a growing trend where the US seeks to remove undocumented migrants more aggressively.

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