103 mostly Asian migrants deported by US to Panama refuse repatriation

BOGOTA, Colombia

Of the 299 migrants deported from the US to Panama, 103, primarily of Asian nationalities, have refused to return to their countries of origin, Panama's security minister announced Wednesday.

"Currently, 103 individuals have not agreed to voluntary repatriation," Frank Abrego said at a news conference.

Abrego said 101 have already returned to their respective countries, 12 are scheduled to depart imminently and 30 will be transferred over the weekend and the following week.

The undocumented migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and India are staying in a hostel in San Vicente, in the province of Darien, where some displayed signs that said, “Please help us” and “We are not safe in our country.”

Authorities said they are to be relocated to other countries by the International Organization for Migration. The Panamanian government reported that a Chinese national escaped, but was recaptured in Costa Rica and returned to Panama.

Authorities observed a reverse migration trend following the tightening of migration policies by US President Donald Trump, with those who previously sought a better future in the US now returning to their home countries.

So far in 2025, a total of 2,607 people have entered the Darién jungle, a 96% decrease compared to the same period last year when 66,303 crossed, according to Panamanian authorities.

Necoclí, a coastal municipality in western Colombia that once received 1,000 migrants daily during a peak of the humanitarian crisis, is now receiving 60 migrants per day.

BOGOTA, Colombia

Of the 299 migrants deported from the US to Panama, 103, primarily of Asian nationalities, have refused to return to their countries of origin, Panama's security minister announced Wednesday.

"Currently, 103 individuals have not agreed to voluntary repatriation," Frank Abrego said at a news conference.

Abrego said 101 have already returned to their respective countries, 12 are scheduled to depart imminently and 30 will be transferred over the weekend and the following week.

So far in 2025, a total of 2,607 people have entered the Darién jungle, a 96% decrease compared to the same period last year when 66,303 crossed, according to Panamanian authorities.

Necoclí, a coastal municipality in western Colombia that once received 1,000 migrants daily during a peak of the humanitarian crisis, is now receiving 60 migrants per day.