Officials in Costa Rica and Panama have initiated a series of actions involving the confiscation of passports and cellphones from migrants, limiting their access to legal assistance, as they grapple with managing a sudden shift in migration patterns. This situation has sparked criticism from human rights groups, who accuse these nations of restricting migrants under the guise of protection from human trafficking.
Both Costa Rica and Panama are managing an influx of migrants as they try to process hundreds of deportees from countries sent back by the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration is looking to expedite deportations, leading to an increase in migrants heading southward through Central America, with Panama documenting 2,200 such individuals in February alone.
Harold Villegas-Román, an expert on refugees and political science professor at the University of Costa Rica, noted that the region’s policies reflect the current U.S. focus on control and security, rather than prioritizing human rights. The U.S. recently deported 299 individuals primarily from Asian countries to Panama. Those choosing to return home have been assisted by U.N. agencies and funded by the U.S. Additionally, officials are in contact with international organizations to discuss asylum options in Panama.
Panama’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Ruiz-Hernandez, emphasized that while Panama works to aid migrants with temporary support, major pressure has not come directly from the U.S. Despite Trump’s threats regarding the Panama Canal, Ruiz-Hernandez insisted these actions are in line with Panama’s interests.
Some deportees in Panama have reported being moved without their consent and placed in remote camps, such as one in the Darien region, where authorities have allegedly confiscated their phones and denied them legal counsel. One anonymous Chinese deportee shared experiences of isolation and confusion about her status and duration of stay.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded to inquiries about access to legal support by questioning the likelihood of migrants having legal representation in Panama. Human rights groups have been denied entry to facilities housing these migrants, calling for greater transparency and migrants’ rights to legal assistance and communication.
Costa Rica has faced similar challenges, with its Ombudsman’s Office raising concerns about the treatment of deportees who have been stripped of their documents and left uncertain about their next steps. The logistics of managing reversed migration have complicated matters for both these traditionally transit nations.
Among the affected migrants is Kimberlyn Pereira, a Venezuelan who attempted to reach the U.S. but faced detention in Costa Rica. Awaiting flights to Colombia, she described an environment of confusion and isolation. After speaking with the media, officials moved Pereira and others to secluded areas, disrupting journalistic access.
The migrants eventually resumed their journey via boat towards the Colombia-Panama border, despite the isolation they experienced and the costs incurred. Pereira questioned the rationale behind the media restrictions and isolation, particularly when authorities claim to be offering assistance.
