International Desk
20 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Nearly 300 migrants facing deportation from the United States have been detained in a hotel in Panama. These individuals, mostly from Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, are awaiting further processing before being sent back to their home countries.
Authorities report that over 40% of these migrants have voluntarily agreed to return. However, the US is facing challenges in directly deporting some of them, making Panama a temporary transit point.
Panamanian Security Minister Frank Abrego stated on Tuesday that the migrants are being provided with food and medical care under a migration agreement between Panama and the US. He denied claims that they were being held illegally but confirmed they are confined to their hotel rooms under police guard.
The Panamanian government has agreed to serve as a transit country, while the US will cover all costs of the deportation process. This agreement was finalized earlier this month following a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced the arrival of the first deportation flights last Thursday, marking the beginning of the operation. The situation continues to develop as authorities coordinate the migrants’ return.