The article delves into the harrowing experiences of migrants detained in Panama as part of President Trump’s deportation campaign. These migrants, including children, faced dire conditions and lack of legal representation. Amid international outcry, the detained migrants were eventually released with a 90-day deadline to leave. However, challenges persisted as aid groups like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) assisted in returning migrants home, raising questions about complicity and ethical obligations.

The article highlights how the Trump administration’s executive orders impacted asylum-seekers and prompted unconventional agreements with countries like Panama and Costa Rica to facilitate deportations. The involvement of IOM, heavily reliant on US funding, in facilitating such deportations exposed vulnerabilities in the international safety net for migrants. Despite efforts to assist migrants in making informed decisions, concerns were raised about unintended consequences and lack of control in the process.

Stories from detained migrants, shared through secret cellphone messages, shed light on the harsh conditions and uncertainties they faced. As the migrants scrambled to plan their next steps post-release, families sought information and support, revealing the ongoing challenges and fears surrounding deportation to dangerous home countries. The situation underscores the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding migrant rights and the role of international organizations in migration crises.