Panama will release 112 migrants who were deported from the United States last month and held in a remote jungle camp, according to an announcement made by a minister on Friday. This decision follows concerns from lawyers and advocates regarding the conditions of detention, which they claimed violated both Panamanian and international laws.
The migrants, originating from nations that the United States struggles to deport individuals to, will receive 30-day temporary humanitarian passes from Panama. These passes aim to allow the migrants time to arrange their return to their home countries or to seek refuge in other nations. The passes may be extended for up to 90 days, as stated by Panama’s security minister, Frank Ábrego.
This release may pose a new challenge to U.S. deportation efforts under President Trump, particularly as the administration had initiated a strategy of sending migrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Central American nations for detention. The images of these individuals locked in facilities were intended to serve as a deterrent to potential migrants considering travel to the U.S.
Panama's decision indicates that collaborating with other nations for mass deportations may be more complex than anticipated by the Trump administration. The release was decided solely by Panamanian officials, independent of U.S. involvement, as noted by a source familiar with the situation.
The temporary protected status provided to the migrants does not guarantee housing upon their release. However, they will be directed to potential shelter options and assistance, including opportunities to apply for asylum in countries other than their own.
As of mid-February, out of 299 migrants sent from the U.S., 177 had already returned to their countries, while 10 were awaiting flights. The remaining 112, including several children from Afghanistan, Iran, and other nations, had been detained for over two weeks in a camp located approximately four hours from Panama City.
The migrants' detention has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and highlighted the challenges the Trump administration faces in enforcing its immigration policies. Migrant families present a particular issue, as U.S. law prohibits the extended detention of minors, compelling the administration to seek alternative arrangements.
Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, is under increasing pressure to address the legal and humanitarian implications of detaining migrants without charges. The government recognized the difficulties in deporting individuals from countries lacking diplomatic relations with Panama, which could lead to prolonged detainment.
An international coalition of lawyers recently filed a lawsuit against Panama's government, alleging violations of both domestic and international laws regarding the migrants' detention. While one attorney characterized the release as a positive development, others expressed concern over the lack of viable solutions for the migrants, who retain the right to pursue asylum.
Panamanian officials have stated that two U.N. agencies, the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. refugee agency, were overseeing the camp's operations. However, reports indicate that these agencies were not present daily, and Panamanian authorities controlled access and operations within the facility.
In remarks regarding the migrants' release, Mr. Ábrego assured that they would have opportunities to consult with their lawyers shortly. The I.O.M. confirmed its presence at the camp for assistance, welcoming the decision to release the detainees.
According to a spokesman for Panama’s security ministry, migrants are permitted to move freely within the country for the duration of their humanitarian passes, but must comply with immigration laws thereafter.
One Afghan migrant, Mohammad Omagh, described his experience during the release process, stating that he and other men were informed they could leave the camp but would not be supported by the government thereafter. He expressed concern over the lack of resources to secure food and lodging, suggesting that Panama's aim was to expedite their departure from the country.