International News: Panama and Costa Rica criticized for turning into ‘Black Hole’ for Migrants and Deportees

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2025. 12:54 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma:  Costa Rica and Panama are facing growing criticism for their treatment of migrants and deportees, as officials in both countries confiscate passports, limit access to legal services, and move people between remote locations in response to a surge in migration.

The actions have sparked concerns from human rights groups, who accuse the governments of lacking transparency and failing to protect migrants’ rights, AP reports.

The issues stem from both countries receiving hundreds of deported migrants from the U.S., where President Donald Trump’s administration has expedited deportations.

At the same time, many migrants blocked from entering the U.S. have begun traveling south through Central America, with Panama reporting 2,200 arrivals in February alone.

Human rights organizations have condemned the lack of clarity and restrictions placed on migrants. Some deportees claim they were moved without consent, had their phones seized, and were denied legal help.

Panama and Costa Rica, once transit points for migrants heading north, are now grappling with the reversed flow.

Panama’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz-Hernandez denied U.S. influence on their actions, emphasizing the country’s interest in controlling migration and assisting deportees in returning home. However, critics argue that both nations are becoming “black holes” for migrants, denying them basic rights and services.

As authorities continue to limit press access to detention facilities, human rights groups demand greater transparency and better conditions for deported migrants.

The situation highlights the growing humanitarian crisis in Central America, with thousands of migrants stuck in limbo and left without adequate support.

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The post International News: Panama and Costa Rica criticized for turning into ‘Black Hole’ for Migrants and Deportees appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Saturday, March 1, 2025. 12:54 pm CST. By Zoila Palma:  Costa Rica and Panama are facing growing criticism for their treatment of migrants and deportees,
The post International News: Panama and Costa Rica criticized for turning into ‘Black Hole’ for Migrants and Deportees appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.