‘They’re Safe, Have Basic Amenities’: India After US Deportees Seen Crying For Help At Panama Hotel

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

The Indian embassy in Panama has informed that they have access to the hotel where the US deportees have been detained

Migrants deported from the US place papers with a written message in the window of the Decapolis Hotel where they are temporarily staying in Panama City. (IMAGE: AFP)

India is collaborating closely with the authorities in Panama to ensure the safety and well-being of Indians among the illegal immigrants deported by the United States to the Latin American country. The Indian embassy in Panama has confirmed that the migrants are safe and secure at the hotel where they are being held.

The Indian consulate took to X, sharing they were safe and secure at a hotel with all essential facilities.

“Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from US. 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,” the embassy wrote.

Migrants’ Cry For Help

The embassy’s communication comes a day after the deportees in the Panama hotel rooms held messages to the windows reading “Help” and “We are not save (sic) in our country.”

The deportees, who were sent back after President Donald Trump launched a drive to deport illegal immigrants, were not allowed to leave as the Panamanian government is waiting for international authorities to organise a return to their countries.

Deportation And Challenges For The US Govt

The migrants hailed from 10 mostly Asian countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and others. The US has difficulty deporting directly to some of those countries so Panama is being used as a stopover. Costa Rica was expected to receive a similar flight of third-country deportees on Wednesday. In a statement, Panama’s security ministry said of the 299 migrants deported from the US in recent days, 13 had been repatriated to their countries of origin while another 175 remained in the hotel in Panama City awaiting onward journeys after agreeing to return home.

One of the challenges of Trump’s plan is that some migrants come from countries that refuse to accept US deportation flights due to strained diplomatic relations or other reasons.

The arrangement with Panama allows the US to deport these nationalities and makes it Panama’s responsibility to organize their repatriation.

The process has been criticised by human rights groups that worry migrants could be mistreated and also fear for their safety if they are ultimately returned to violent or war-torn countries of origin, such as Afghanistan.

Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego said Tuesday the migrants are receiving medical attention and food as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the US.