A fourth group of Indian nationals deported from the United States arrived in New Delhi on February 23, as confirmed by officials. These deportees were returned via Panama, which has emerged as a transit point for undocumented migrants expelled under U.S. immigration policies. The first significant deportation of Indian immigrants this year occurred on February 5, when a U.S. military aircraft transported 104 individuals to Amritsar. In response to increasing criticism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended the government’s actions, asserting that India has been engaged in discussions with the U.S. to ensure fair treatment for deportees. He noted that such deportations are not a recent phenomenon and have been taking place for several years.
Currently, nearly 300 deported immigrants, including Indians, are housed in a hotel in Panama while authorities work on facilitating their return. Reports indicate that 40% of these individuals are refusing voluntary repatriation, prompting UN agencies to consider alternative destinations, which raises concerns regarding their prolonged confinement. The U.S. has been covering the associated costs, with Panama acting as an intermediary. President Donald Trump, who has prioritized large-scale deportations as a key aspect of his policy, has defended the enforcement actions, claiming that his administration is “draining the swamp by sending home fraudsters, cheaters, globalists, and deep state bureaucrats.” Panama agreed to function as a “bridge” country for deportees following a deal struck by President Jose Raúl Mulino with the U.S., which facilitated the transfer of Indian migrants.
