“Safe and Supported: US Deportees Share Their Struggles at Panama Hotel Amidst India’s Supportive Response” – News18

Last Updated:February 20, 2025, 13:30 IST

India is working closely with Panama to support its citizens deported from the United States. The Indian embassy has confirmed that the migrants are currently safe at a hotel in Panama City.

Recently, the Indian consulate shared an update on social media, stating that the Indian deportees are well looked after in a hotel equipped with essential amenities.

“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. Our embassy team has obtained consular access, and we are collaborating with the Panamanian government to ensure their wellbeing,” the embassy stated.

However, there are concerns following reports of the deportees displaying messages from their hotel windows, pleading for help and stating they do not feel safe in their home country. Many of these individuals were sent back after a push by former President Donald Trump to deport illegal immigrants.

The deportees come from various countries, mostly in Asia, including India, Nepal, and Afghanistan. The US faces challenges in deporting some of these individuals directly to their home countries, leading to Panama being used as a transit point. Recently, Panama’s security ministry reported that out of 299 migrants deported by the US, 175 remain at the hotel while waiting for arrangements to return home.

Some countries involved are hesitant to accept deportees, complicating the situation. This arrangement allows the US to deport these individuals but transfers the responsibility of their repatriation to Panama.

Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the treatment of the deportees and the potential dangers they may face if sent back to war-torn or unstable regions. In response, Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego assured that the migrants are receiving necessary medical care and food as part of an agreement with the US.