Panama Detains Nearly 300 US Deportees Amid International Concerns

Panama is currently housing nearly 300 deported individuals from various Asian countries in a hotel, awaiting arrangements for their return to their home countries as part of a U.S.-Panama agreement. More than 40% of these migrants are reportedly unwilling to return, leading to alarming messages displayed from their hotel windows, including pleas for help. Panama's Security Minister Frank Abrego has stated that while the migrants cannot leave the premises, they are receiving necessary medical care and food, and have not been detained despite police presence. As of now, 171 of the deportees have agreed to return with assistance from international organizations, while others are being considered for temporary accommodation in third countries. This situation has raised significant humanitarian concerns, especially following reports of distress among the migrants, including an attempted suicide. The backdrop of the arrangement includes a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the U.S. covering all associated costs for this operation.