A group of nearly 100 migrants, including children, was deported to a remote jungle camp in Panama under the Trump administration’s plan to expel unauthorized migrants. The detainees were initially told they would be taken to another hotel but instead were taken to San Vicente, which sits at the end of a harsh and isolated region.
The migrants had been held in a hotel in Panama City before being transferred to the jungle camp, where they are facing uncertain conditions and lack of access to basic necessities. Some have reported being forced to sign documents authorizing their deportation and have signed agreements that could put them at risk of reprisals if returned to their home countries.
The Panamanian government has stated that it is committed to combating illegal migration but claims to be adhering to international principles on human rights. However, concerns over the treatment of migrants in the country’s custody are mounting, and several have reported being denied access to their cellphones and documents.
As the migrants await their fate, many fear they will fall into the hands of human traffickers or face other dangers in the jungle region. The International Organization for Migration has reportedly arranged journeys back to countries of origin for some of those who had volunteered to be repatriated.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/world/americas/us-migrants-panama-jungle-camp.html