In Panama City, a situation involving migrants has recently gained attention after a number of them were released from detention at a remote camp. These individuals had been deported from the United States and held in stressful conditions. Affected by limited time, they were given a 30-day period to exit the country, placing them in a desperate search for solutions.
Among the released was Hayatullah Omagh, a 29-year-old from Afghanistan, who fled his nation following the Taliban’s rise. His plight touches on broader concerns as he shared, “We are refugees. We do not have money. We cannot pay for a hotel in Panama City, we do not have relatives.” The option provided by Panamanian authorities is to extend their stay by 60 days on request; however, for Omagh and others, the future remains uncertain.
Omagh and around 65 fellow migrants from diverse countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Nepal arrived in Panama City, raising alarm about their conditions. These migrants had been living under challenging circumstances as Panama collaborates with the US administration to deter future migrations. Activists and human rights lawyers awaited their arrival at the bus terminal, ready to assist with resources and shelter, though numerous others remained in the camp.
The released group included individuals like Nikita Gaponov, a 27-year-old fleeing persecution from Russia due to his LGBTQ+ identity. He expressed the hardships faced, stating he was detained at the U.S. border and denied an asylum opportunity. Gaponov, like many, is left to sleep outdoors as they figure out their next steps, reflecting a determination to continue their journey north despite facing deportation.
The deportation efforts were part of an agreement between the Trump administration, Panama, and Costa Rica. The agreement intended to expedite deportations by sending migrants to Central America while arrangements for their return were organized. Critics argue that these strategies merely externalize the United States’ deportation responsibilities, evoking notable human rights concerns.
Reports emerged of detained migrants signaling distress from their hotel windows in Panama City, fearing their original countries’ volatility. Allegations of mistreatment in camps near Colombia’s border noted inadequate communication, lack of legal assistance, and in some cases, poor health among the detainees. The situation was characterized as a potential “black hole” by human rights defenders.
After an outcry, some detainees requiring medical intervention were identified upon release. These included one individual suffering from prolonged illness without access to medication including insulin or HIV treatment while in custody. Despite their release, individuals like Omagh grapple with uncertainty as returning to Afghanistan, with its life-threatening environment, is not an option.
Panamanian authorities stated that proposals exist for travel to a third country but noted many had refused such help. Omagh was, however, skeptical, pointing to the difficulty of obtaining a visa with his Afghan passport. Furthermore, requests for asylum in Panama were reportedly dismissed, reinforcing a feeling of being unwelcome.
Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz-Hernandez iterated that Panama is not an intended final destination for these migrants. They aspire to reach the U.S., as exemplified by a Chinese woman among the group, who upon departing the bus, expressed her continuous dream of reaching the United States despite the setbacks encountered.
