'We are not safe...': Migrants deported by Trump cry for help from Panama hotel; Indians among deportees

Around 300 undocumented migrants from Asian nations, including India, were sent to Panama by US authorities amid the ongoing crackdown by US President Donald Trump.

The illegal deportees are housed in a hotel in Panama, awaiting repatriation. The Associated Press reported that a majority of the nearly 300 deportees were from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, and Iran.

Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, said, “These migrants are being held in a hotel, where they are receiving medical attention and food as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the US.”

Many of the deportees are holding signs in the windows saying, “Help” and “We are not safe in our country.” Images of deportees at the hotel windows asking for help were shared by several news agencies and went viral on social media.

The Associated Press reported that a majority of the nearly 300 deportees were from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, and Iran.

Agreement between United States and Panama

As per the treaty between the United States and Panama, the Latin American nation is being used as a stopover while deporting illegal migrants to their native countries.

This arrangement helps ease the difficulties the US faces during the deportation process to certain countries.

Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, said that the immigrants were not being “deprived of their freedom, but they are in our custody for their protection.”

The minister also emphasised that at least 171 illegal immigrants had voluntarily agreed to return to their home countries. Meanwhile, 97 deportees who wished to go to a different nation were transferred to a camp in Darién.

Wave of flights land in Amritsar

This development comes as three deportation flights have landed at Amritsar Airport, carrying undocumented migrants from India who faced the brunt of Trump’s crackdown.

As of now, the three flights have brought back 332 illegal Indian immigrants. Most of those returned are from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Outcry over treatment of deportees

There was widespread outrage after deportees who landed in Amritsar claimed that they were shackled and handcuffed throughout their journey from the US to India.