Migrants Deported from U.S. Relocated to Panama’s Darien Region

A group of migrants deported from the U.S. to Panama were moved from a hotel in Panama City to the Darien jungle, a lawyer confirmed. The transfer is part of a U.S.-Panama deal to handle deportees whose home countries refuse to accept them.

Migrants Moved to Darien Region

🔹 170 out of 299 migrants were transferred to Meteti, a town in the Darien jungle, according to La Estrella de Panama.

🔹 The migrants had been staying at a hotel in Panama City under government protection, with financial support from the U.S. via the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration.

🔹 Panama’s government has not commented on the move.

Who Are the Migrants?

According to Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, the group includes people from:

🔹 Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

🔹 These nationalities were deported to Panama instead of their home countries, as some governments refuse to accept U.S. deportation flights due to diplomatic tensions.

Human Rights Concerns Grow

🔹 Human rights groups have criticized the process, warning that some migrants could face danger or persecution if sent back to their countries.

🔹 Lawyer Susana Sabalza, representing a Muslim migrant family, said they are at risk of execution if returned home.

🔹 Sabalza is seeking asylum for them in Panama or another country willing to accept them.

Panama’s Role in U.S. Deportation Strategy

🔹 The Trump administration is ramping up deportations and using Panama as a transit country for migrants whose home nations refuse U.S. deportation flights.

🔹 Panama is responsible for repatriating the migrants to their countries of origin.

🔹 More than half of the deported migrants have voluntarily accepted repatriation, according to Panama’s security minister.

Escape and Restrictions

🔹 Migrants at the hotel in Panama City were not allowed to leave, according to media reports.

🔹 Some were seen waving to journalists from their windows.

🔹 A Chinese national, Zheng Lijuan, escaped from the hotel, according to Panama’s migration service, which accused outsiders of helping her flee.

🔹 Officials urged her to return but provided no further details.

The situation has drawn international scrutiny as Panama continues receiving U.S. deportees, while migrants face an uncertain future in the lawless Darien region.

Tags

News Politics Panama