Panama's Government Releases Dozens of U.S. Deportees From Jungle Camp After Allegations of Human Rights Violations

The Panamanian government has released dozens of migrants who were deported from the United States and held for weeks in a remote detention camp as it faced mounting legal challenges and criticism over alleged human rights violations.

The migrants, who arrived in Panama under an agreement between the country and the Trump administration, now face uncertainty as they have been given 30 days to leave the country, with the option to extend their stay by up to 60 days.

The 65 released migrants, which includes individuals from China, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Nepal, arrived in Panama City after being transferred from the Darien jungle, a treacherous region near the border with Colombia used by many to make their way to North America.

Advocacy organizations and lawyers were present to provide support and legal pathways for those released. However, dozens of others remain in the detention camp, as reported by The Associated Press.

The deportation arrangement between the U.S. and Panama is part of an effort by the Trump administration to accelerate migrant deportations by using third countries as transit points. Critics argue this policy effectively shifts the deportation process to other nations, bypassing international asylum protections.

The agreement gained attention after detained migrants in Panama City held signs in hotel windows pleading for help and expressing fear of returning to their home countries.

Many deportees claim they were denied the opportunity to seek asylum in the United States before being sent to Panama. Nikita Gaponov, a 27-year-old Russian national, said he fled his country due to persecution as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He was detained at the U.S. border but was not allowed to present an asylum claim. "Once I get off the bus, I'll be sleeping on the ground tonight," he said to the Associated Press.

Human rights groups have raised concerns over conditions at the remote detention facility where deportees were held. Reports from released migrants describe a lack of adequate food, harsh heat, restricted communication, and limited access to medical care.

At least three individuals required medical attention upon release, including one who had been vomiting for a week, a diabetic without access to insulin, and another individual with HIV who lacked medication.

Panamanian authorities have denied allegations of mistreatment, but they have restricted access to the detention center and canceled a planned media visit. Lawyers and advocacy groups describe the camp as a "black hole," alleging that migrants are held without legal representation or clear information about their status. Some detainees had their phones confiscated and were prevented from contacting legal counsel.

Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), criticized the deportation policy on February 27:

"Individuals, including families like our clients, are being sent to Panama without any screening for asylum and despite not having any connection to Panama. And when they get there, they are disappearing into a black box without access to counsel"

Panama's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz-Hernandez suggested that most deportees did not intend to stay in Panama but would rather "go to the U.S." Meanwhile, international organizations are attempting to facilitate resettlement to third countries for those unable to return home, though few nations have extended visa opportunities.