Indian Embassy Confirms Safety of Deportees in Panama Amid Distress Signals

More than 300 migrants, including Indian nationals, are currently detained at the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City as they await repatriation after being deported from the United States, according to the Associated Press. This situation arises from a recent increase in deportations initiated by former President Donald Trump's administration targeting illegal immigrants. The migrants have been documenting their plight by placing desperate messages in hotel windows, pleading for assistance and stating that they feel unsafe in their home countries. Authorities revealed that over 40% of these individuals are unwilling to return voluntarily. The Panamanian government, acting as a temporary holding facility, has assured that migrants are receiving necessary medical care and food while awaiting their return. As part of a migration agreement with the U.S., Panama is facilitating the processing of deportees. Security Minister Frank Abrego noted that 171 out of the 299 deportees have consented to return, with assistance from the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency, while discussions continue for the others. Costa Rica is also expected to participate in accommodating additional deportees shortly.

Since his reelection, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared intentions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, claiming current fees for American ships are excessive and expressing concern over Chinese influence in the region. The canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 following treaties signed in 1977 under President Jimmy Carter, which mandated a gradual transfer of control and guaranteed equal treatment for all nations regarding tolls, according to official reports. The canal’s construction, completed by the U.S. in 1914, marked a significant engineering achievement and propelled the United States into global prominence. However, continuous American control over the canal zone has sparked tensions with Panama, peaking in 1964 when riots broke out during an incident involving the national flags. In the early 2000s, Panama undertook a major expansion of the canal, reportedly costing over $5.2 billion, addressing the needs of larger container ships. Trump's assertions ignore the investment and development made independently by Panama and the diminishing role of U.S. influence there, highlighted by Panama's shift in allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing in 2017.

President Donald Trump has renewed his calls for the United States to reclaim the Panama Canal, asserting that excessive fees for American ships and China's burgeoning influence over the waterway justify a reassertion of U.S. control. The Canal, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was handed back to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed by former President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos, which ensures equal treatment of nations regarding tolls, thus contradicting Trump’s fee reduction demand, according to several analysts. The historical context reveals a long-standing struggle over the Canal, commencing with its construction by the U.S. after supporting Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903. Subsequent disagreements flared up, notably during riots in 1964 when Panamanian students clashed with U.S. forces. Following negotiations in the late 1970s, the Canal was fully transferred to Panama, a move still resented by some U.S. conservatives. China’s involvement has intensified since Panama recognized Beijing diplomatically in 2017, with major infrastructure projects increasingly executed by Chinese companies, prompting U.S. officials to warn against potential threats to national security, according to the U.S. Southern Command.