Indian Nationals among 299 deported by US to Panama

The Indian embassy in Panama has confirmed that Indian nationals were among the 299 individuals deported by the Trump administration to Panama, from where they will be repatriated to their respective countries.

Panama has become a temporary hub for undocumented workers from at least 10 nations after agreeing to act as a “bridge” for deportees, with the United States funding the operation. Costa Rica has also taken in deported migrants under a similar arrangement.

The first batch of 119 foreign nationals arrived in Panama last week on a US Air Force flight. Since then, at least two more flights have transported additional deportees. Initially accommodated in a hotel, the deportees were later moved to a camp in San Vicente, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced.

This agreement was finalized during US Secretary of State Marc Rubio’s visit, amid growing tensions over the US President’s comments on “taking back” the Panama Canal.

The Indian embassy in Panama City acknowledged on social media that a group of Indians had arrived from the US. Embassy officials obtained consular access and confirmed that they were “safe and secure” at a hotel. “We are working closely with the host government to ensure their well-being,” the embassy stated. However, the exact number of Indian deportees remains unclear as authorities are still verifying their nationalities.

According to reports from the Associated Press, 40% of the deportees have refused voluntary repatriation and will be transferred to a detention camp in the jungle. Some media outlets have reported that deportees were seen signaling for help from the windows of the Decápolis hotel, where they were temporarily housed. In a separate incident, a Chinese national allegedly escaped from the hotel.

On Wednesday, nearly 100 of the recently deported individuals were moved to a detention center on the outskirts of the jungle. The New York Times reported that conditions in the facility were harsh, with media and aid organizations denied access.

Since February 5, the US has deported 332 Indian nationals directly to India on three military flights. The Indian government has faced political scrutiny for accepting a protocol that involved shackling deportees during their journey home.