As American governments deported immigrants back to their countries, approximately 300 immigrants were sent from the USA to Panama. This has raised questions from the Indian opposition about what is happening.
On Thursday, the Congress Party of India expressed concerns regarding the deportation of Indian immigrants who were sent to Panama before returning to India. Out of the 300 immigrants affected, 50 were Indian nationals. The deportations stemmed from Trump’s immigration policies, which led to these individuals being removed from the USA and subsequently arriving in Panama. This country serves as a point of connection for deportations between the USA and Asia.
The Panama Deportation
The USA and Panama have established a cooperation agreement regarding deportation measures following discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Under this agreement, Panama will act as a transit country for deportees, with the USA covering all associated costs. Currently, Panama is detaining 300 immigrants from various Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China.
Immigrants in Panama are currently confined to their hotel rooms while waiting to return to their home country or be relocated to a third country. They are not allowed to leave their rooms, but all basic amenities are provided to them. President Jose Raul Mulino has announced that these immigrants will eventually be sent to a camp on the edge of the jungle, known as Darien Camp. This camp was previously used for migrants headed north to the United States.
Ninety-seven individuals were relocated to the camp not as detainees but as migrants. This facility is specifically designed for migrants and is not a detention center. The Panamanian government has decided that this camp is the most suitable option for housing migrants. It is free of cages, and the inhabitants receive food, medical assistance, and psychological support, as stated by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz Hernandez.
The raising questions
“We would have thought that Indian citizens deported by the Trump Administration would be sent back to India with dignity. Such deportations have taken place in a most inhuman and demeaning manner. Now come reports that more Indian citizens have been deported but to Panama. What is going on?”
Jairam Ramesh who is a Congress general secretary, asked questions to government on platform X.
Indian Embassy in Panama
Panamanian authorities reported that a group of Indians had arrived in Panama from the US. They indicated that the group was safe and secure at a hotel with all essential facilities. According to the post on platform X, the embassy team had obtained consular access and stated that they were working closely with the host government to ensure the group’s well-being.
Government’s stance
The government of India has assured the assistance needed in bringing back the nationals who are deported from the US. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said”We are verifying the details of whether the individuals concerned are Indian nationals or not. Once that verification details are complete, then arrangements will be made for them.” The Indian government assured that it is closely working with Panama to ensure the well-being of immigrants who have landed in the Latin American country.
Haripriya Mishra is a journalist deeply interested in world news and geopolitics. She likes to explore the complexities of global affairs and strives to bring clarity to these issues through thoughtful journalism. Through her writing, she intends to raise the right questions, fostering informed discussions about national and international matters. Haripriya aims to use journalism as a platform to connect with people, share diverse perspectives, and contribute to a deeper understanding of global issues. She is committed to producing content that is accurate, ethical, and impactful. She enjoys creative writing and reflecting on the nuances of media and storytelling.
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