Nearly 300 Migrants Held in Panama Hotel After U.S. Deportation

Nearly 300 migrants, the majority of whom are Asian nationals from Iran, India, and Afghanistan, are currently detained at a Panama hotel following their deportation from the United States under the Trump administration. They are not allowed to exit until repatriation arrangements are being finalized. Detainees have indicated their distress by writing messages on their windows that read "Help" and "We are not safe in our country." Over 40% of them are unwilling to return voluntarily, with no definite future ahead of them since Panama has pledged to be a temporary transit station for deportees. Conditions at the hotel have been of concern, with reports of poor food and medical care. The Panamanian administration has claimed that it must guarantee the security of its citizens and deal with this stream of deportees amid ongoing diplomatic negotiation with the U.S.

Source: NBC News