**"As the Panamanian government manages a group of 299 individuals deported from the US, many express fears about returning to dangerous homelands amid strict security and limited access to legal aid."**
**"Deportees from US Held Under Lock in Panama Hotel"**
**"Deportees from US Held Under Lock in Panama Hotel"**
**"Panama City’s Decápolis Hotel now houses hundreds of undocumented migrants deported from the United States, sparking pleas for help."**
In an unusual twist, the Decápolis Hotel in Panama City, normally a luxury retreat, has assumed the role of a makeshift holding facility for 299 undocumented migrants recently deported from the United States. Within its walls, migrants are raising urgent cries for help, holding signs from the windows, and expressing fears for their safety.
The Panamanian government confirmed that these individuals, including nationals from India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran, were flown in last week as part of a controversial agreement with the Trump administration to use Panama as a temporary holding spot for deportees. Advertised as a hotel with stunning views and upscale amenities, the establishment has transformed into a place of confinement.
Migrants trapped inside have resorted to signaling their distress to onlookers, some forming a symbol of surrender with their arms raised, while others hang poignant notes that read "Please help us." The grim atmosphere inside is compounded by heightened security, as armed members of the Panamanian National Aeronaval Service enforce strict regulations on the premises.
Among the group, media conversations reveal a common sentiment of fear and uncertainty. As reported, only 171 out of 299 have agreed to return home. Those remaining face the looming threat of deportation to nations from which they fled due to political instability or persecution. An Iranian migrant shared her plight via a cell phone smuggled into the hotel, describing the dire conditions, including a denial of legal representation and minimal freedom of movement.
Panama's Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, has asserted that the migrants will remain under the state's protection, categorizing their stay as "temporary custody" necessary for the safety of both the migrants and Panamanians. However, as criticism mounts concerning their treatment, the government remains firm on limiting access to support services, including legal assistance.
Analysts note the complexity of this operation. Many deportees hail from countries unwilling to accept their return, making it challenging for the Panamanian government to find diplomatic solutions. It is believed no additional deportee flights will occur soon, providing a temporary halt to an ongoing crisis.
As the story unfolds, humanitarian observers express deep concern regarding the conditions faced by these individuals, advocating for their rights and safety as they navigate this precarious chapter in their lives.
