Asylum seekers arriving at the United States border from various countries have been detained and flown by the U.S. military to Panama, where they face uncertain futures. Upon arrival, migrants reported being stripped of their passports and most cellphones, confined to a hotel, and barred from legal counsel.
Conditions at the hotel have reportedly led to distress among the detainees, with at least one suicide attempt and another individual sustaining injuries while attempting to escape. A hidden cellphone message from a migrant expressed desperation, stating, “Only a miracle can save us.”
In response to challenges posed by deporting migrants from countries like Afghanistan and Iran, the Trump administration initiated a plan to transfer these individuals to Panama, which has agreed to accept them under pressure from U.S. officials. This arrangement raises concerns about the treatment of migrants, as the U.S. is no longer legally responsible for their welfare once they are outside its borders.
Costa Rica has also agreed to accept deportees, with operations overseen by United Nations agencies and funded by the U.S. government. However, the feasibility of returning migrants to their home countries remains uncertain, as many were initially unable to be deported directly from the U.S.
Experts have characterized this initiative as a new era of enforcement, where the U.S. is compelling other nations to participate in its deportation processes. Meanwhile, Panama's government insists it is adhering to international protocols regarding the treatment of migrants.
Despite legal stipulations against prolonged detention without a court order, approximately 350 migrants have been held at the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City for nearly a week. Armed guards prevent their exit, and the group includes children.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the deported individuals were in the U.S. illegally and did not express fear of returning to their home countries during processing. However, interviews with migrants revealed that many were asylum seekers held against their will.
Reports from inside the hotel indicate that detainees are attempting to communicate their plight to the outside world. One woman from Afghanistan signaled her distress to journalists below, while others have written messages pleading for help.
Among the detainees, individuals from Iran and other countries have shared their stories of fleeing persecution, including threats of death for religious conversion. Many had hoped to build new lives in the U.S. but found themselves shackled and deported instead.
Panama's deputy foreign minister stated that the migrants are being held temporarily while a more permanent facility is prepared. He emphasized that the government is committed to respecting human rights and that the migrants do not have criminal records.
As the situation unfolds, the migrants are expected to be transferred to a camp in the Darién Gap, a region known for its harsh conditions and health risks. The duration of their detention at this facility remains unclear.
Personal accounts from the detainees reveal a profound sense of fear and uncertainty about their future, with many expressing a desire for freedom and safety. The unfolding crisis highlights the complexities of immigration policy and the human cost of enforcement measures.