(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
India is diligently collaborating with the Panamanian authorities to guarantee the safety of Indian migrants who have been deported from the United States to Panama. The Indian embassy in Panama has reported that these migrants are safe and being held in a hotel where they are currently detained. The embassy communicated on X, "Panamanian authorities have confirmed that a group of Indians has arrived in Panama from the US. They are housed in a hotel equipped with all necessary amenities and are safe. Our team has secured consular access. We are cooperating closely with the local government to protect their interests." This information was released following a report indicating that nearly 300 people from multiple nations, such as Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, deported under President Donald Trump's administration, are being held at a hotel in Panama. Some individuals among these deportees have desperately displayed messages seeking "help" from the windows of their hotel rooms, with one message reading, "We are not safe in our country."
Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from US
— India in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica (@IndiainPanama) February 20, 2025
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
In response, Panama has denied allegations of forcibly detaining migrants, despite the claims of individuals holding signs asking for assistance from the hotel windows. Frank Abrego, Panama's Security Minister, stated that these undocumented migrants from the US are receiving food and medical care at the hotel due to an agreement between Panama and the United States regarding migration. However, they remain confined to the hotel until international authorities can facilitate their return to their home countries. The United States has been utilizing Panama as a transit location for deportees because deporting individuals directly to certain nations can be challenging. Additionally, Costa Rica is anticipated to receive a flight carrying deportees from third countries on Wednesday. Trump adopted a stringent stance against unauthorized migrants during the previous year's election campaign, labeling some as "monsters" and "animals." On his first day in office last month, Trump proclaimed a national emergency at the southern border of the United States and committed to deporting "millions and millions" of migrants.
