Over 300 migrants from Asia have found themselves in a precarious situation after being deported by the United States and subsequently held in a hotel in Panama City. According to Panama's Security Minister, Frank Ábrego, the migrants were confined to the hotel "for their own protection." However, this measure has left many of them in a state of confusion and distress, as they were kept there for days without understanding their fate, as reported by Attorney Susana Sabalza.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively working to find a third country willing to accept these individuals. Meanwhile, some migrants have been transferred to a remote camp on the fringes of a jungle, accessible to only a few. At least 13 migrants have already been repatriated to their countries of origin. Still, over 100 have pleaded not to be sent back, expressing their fears to Panamanian officials.
This unexpected turn of events came after the migrants believed they were being transported to Texas but were instead deported to Panama. Attorney Ali Herischi noted this discrepancy, highlighting the confusion and betrayal felt by the migrants. Attorney Jenny Soto Fernández emphasized the severity of their predicament, noting that these individuals are not merely seeking adventure but are fleeing violence and persecution. According to Soto, they hold the right to seek asylum due to their circumstances.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied any wrongdoing by the authorities, insisting that no laws have been violated. Nevertheless, Mulino intends to file legal actions against both Panama and the US in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and US federal court. The lack of clear guidelines on how attorneys can visit their clients at the remote camp further complicates the situation, as noted by Soto.
Among the migrants is Artemis Ghasemzadeh, an Iranian national who fled her homeland fearing persecution due to her conversion to Christianity. Herischi explained the dire consequences under Islamic law for such a conversion. Ghasemzadeh's transfer to the remote camp follows her expression of fear regarding potential reprisals if returned to Iran. In her communication with CNN, she conveyed her desperation: "We are in danger," adding that they are "waiting for (a) miracle."
“Please help us,” one sign read. “We are not (safe) in our country.”
“HELP US,” it read in bold, red letters.
The emotional turmoil faced by these migrants is palpable. They have been isolated in Panama City with limited interaction with the outside world, as reported by CNN. Soto Fernández recounted how emotional and desperate some migrants became, longing for legal counsel and support amidst their uncertain situation.
“These people that are requesting refugee (status) — it’s not because they want to come here on an adventure or a trip. No, they’re escaping. They’re victims of violence and persecution.” – Jenny Soto Fernández
The Panamanian government claims that they have respected human rights throughout this process. President Mulino vehemently denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting,
“These organizations are respectful of human rights. It’s false and I deny that we are mistreating them.”
Despite these assurances, concerns about the migrants' mental and physical well-being persist. An attorney involved in the case stressed the urgency of understanding their clients' health status, given their prolonged detention.
“It is urgent for us to have clarity about the mental and physical health status of our (clients),”
The security measures in place at the hotel and subsequent relocation to a remote camp have sparked criticism over what Herischi described as an "unorganized" response. The apparent lack of preparation has left many migrants in a state of limbo without clear pathways forward.
“It shows that (it’s) such an unorganized and never-thought-of (situation,) and just ad hoc political decision to accept this, but they don’t know what to do with them,” – Ali Herischi
Minister Ábrego acknowledged that while some migrants might feel the need to request asylum, each application requires careful consideration before approval or denial.
“But if they think they have the need, as any human being would, to request asylum, we have to pay attention to it and approve or disapprove it,” – Frank Ábrego
The complexity of this situation underscores broader issues surrounding international migration policies and human rights. The migrants' plea for safety and security remains unmet as they navigate an uncertain future.
