A group of about 50 Indian deportees from the US arrived in Panama on Wednesday, en route to India. According to diplomatic sources, they have been temporarily relocated to the central American country before they are deported to India in a US aircraft.
“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. The embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host govt to ensure their well-being,” said the Indian embassy in Panama in a post on X.
Many of the people relocated to countries like Panama and Costa Rica, irrespective of their nationalities, have refused to return home, saying they won’t be safe there.
Indian govt officials here said they will verify the citizenship of all individuals before accepting them back.
Around 350 illegal Indian migrants have already been deported to India by the US since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan 20. Costa Rica earlier said it has agreed to serve as a “bridge” to repatriate illegal immigrants in the US, including from India and Central Asia, according to an official release this week.
The first group of 200 migrants will arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport on a commercial flight on Wednesday, according to a statement by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles’ office. “The Govt of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country. These are people originating from countries in central Asia,” said the statement.
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