Panama authorities have recaptured a woman who escaped from a hotel holding nearly 300 deportees from the US. The Chinese woman, who received assistance in breaking out, was found abandoned near a migrant processing facility along the northern Panama-Costa Rica border. Security Minister Frank Abrego blamed her escape on “human traffickers.”
Around 40% of the deportees have expressed reluctance to return to their countries of origin, raising concerns about their detention period. Despite claims that migrants are not detained, the situation has sparked criticism of the Panamanian government. So far, 171 of the migrants have agreed to repatriation, while an Irish citizen has already been sent back home.
The remaining migrants will be temporarily held at a facility near the Darien Gap until their destination is confirmed. The region has historically been used by migrants from Venezuela and other countries to reach the US. The recapture comes after images of detained migrants circulated on social media, showing them holding notes pleading for help due to safety concerns.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/panama-recaptured-chinese-woman-escaped-hotel-holding-deportees-118987018