Costa Rica and Panama are facing significant criticism for their handling of migrants and deportees amid shifting U.S. immigration policies. Confiscation of passports, denial of legal aid, and lack of transparency have raised serious human rights concerns. Many deported individuals wish to continue to the U.S., but uncertainty and poor conditions in detention facilities add to their distress. Calls for transparent practices and legal rights for migrants are becoming increasingly urgent as countries grapple with the implications of these policies.

In recent developments, officials in Costa Rica and Panama have begun implementing stringent measures affecting migrants, including confiscation of passports and cellphones, denying access to legal services, and transferring individuals between remote locations. This has occurred amid a shift in migration patterns, with the United States accelerating deportations under President Trump’s administration. Thousands of migrants, feeling unwelcome in the U.S., are now making their way south, with Panama reporting 2,200 arrivals in just February.

Harold Villegas-Román, a political science professor, has stated that these actions reflect current U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing a lack of concern for human rights, and highlighting the obscure and opaque nature of government operations in this regard. As deportations have surged, many of the individuals returned from the U.S. have expressed a strong desire to migrate north rather than remain in Panama, as noted by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz-Hernandez.

Deportees from various Asian countries recently arrived in Panama, with only a small fraction considering asylum, while many wish to return home or proceed to the U.S. However, reports indicate that the treatment of detained migrants is inadequate, characterized by lack of legal representation, leading to serious concerns over their rights. Reports from individuals in the camp reveal a disturbing absence of information regarding their legal processes and future plans.

Costa Rica, facing scrutiny for similar issues, has seen an independent human rights entity raise concerns about the treatment of deportees, who are stripped of their personal documents and often left unaware of their destinations or conditions. Juan Pappier of Human Rights Watch has expressed that Panamanian authorities must guarantee transparency and ensure that migrants are able to communicate with families and access legal assistance.

As both countries adapt to this complex flow of migrants, numerous stories emerged, including that of a Venezuelan family forced to reconsider their aspirations. Despite being fed and given shelter, migrants have reported immense confusion and fear due to the unpredictable processes. An incident on a bus involving journalists raised alarm over the lack of press access to migrant facilities, prompting advocacy for freedom of the press in these humanitarian issues.

The treatment of deported migrants in Panama and Costa Rica raises significant human rights concerns. With the U.S. policy influencing local strategies, many individuals face uncertain futures without legal representation. Urgent calls for transparency and accountability persist as officials navigate the complexities of reversed migration flows, highlighting the delicate balance between security measures and the dignity of those affected by these policies. Ultimately, the need for a humane approach is imperative, with respect for migration rights at the forefront of families’ struggles for safety and stability. As these trends develop, scrutiny from human rights organizations underscores the potential for a larger humanitarian crisis and the necessity for adherence to international norms.

Original Source: www.local10.com

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