US Deportees Temporarily Sheltered at Panama Hotel Amid Controversy
Watch: Migrants Deported from US Being Held at Luxury Hotel in Panama
In the opulent Decpolis Hotel in Panama City, two young girls hold up a piece of paper to the window, writing Please help us. This luxurious establishment offers panoramic sea views and features prestigious amenities such as exclusive restaurants, a pool, spa facilities, and private transportation. However, it has unexpectedly transformed into a temporary detention center for 299 undocumented migrants who were deported from the United States.
Some of these individuals raise their arms at the wrists in symbolic gestures indicating they are restricted in their freedom. Others display small signs with messages such as We are not safe in our country. The Trump administration has committed to deporting millions of unauthorized immigrants into the US, leading President Jos Ral Mulino to agree that Panama would serve as a transit point for these deportees.
Of the 299 undocumented migrants from diverse nations such as India, China, Uzbekistan, Iran, Vietnam, Turkey, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lankaonly 171 have consented to repatriate. The remaining individuals now face an uncertain future at the hands of Panamanian authorities.
According to government reports this group will be relocated to a camp in Darin province which has previously accommodated migrants en route to the US through the jungle. On normal days, tourists can easily enter and exit Decpolis Hotel but now heavily armed personnel from the Panamanian National Aeronaval Service enforce strict security measures both inside and outside of the building.
From outside one window hangs laundry with a Los Angeles Lakers jersey worn by basketball legend Kobe Bryant. In another scene, adults and children raise their arms in peace signs on glass while writing Help us or displaying messages like “Please save the Afghan girls.”
A Farsi-speaking informant told BBC that these migrants are terrified of returning to Iran due to potential retaliation from authorities there. She stated that she attempted to offer translation services but was not allowed inside because they claimed already had a translator. Inside, several children were reportedly denied access even for meals.
Following the initial report about deportees in hotel detention, security tightened further and internet usage by migrants within the building was discontinued. Attempts to contact both Decpolis Hotel management and Panamanian government yielded no response from BBC.
Panamas Minister of Public Security Frank brego stated that these detainees are being held temporarily for their protection under Panama’s authority, noting those unwilling to return may need to seek asylum in a third country where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR will take responsibility. While IOM spokespersons assured support and adherence to international standards of treatment they do not directly manage detention or movement.
Officials mentioned that additional deportees are unlikely since no further flights from the US have been confirmed with Panama in such arrangements. Similarly, Costa Rica has also agreed to serve as a temporary transit destination for deported migrants this week.
Muzaffar Chishti of Migration Policy Institute explained the complexity involved when nations not typically welcoming repatriated nationals are required by Trump’s policiesplacing diplomatic pressures on these governments and creating logistical headaches for Panama in facilitating re-entry deals.
