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Deported from the US, Migrants Remain in Limbo at Panama Jungle Camp

Lawyers representing migrants deported from the United States and resettled in a remote camp in Panama's jungle are concerned about their inability to communicate with their clients since their arrival. Around 112 deported migrants are housed in the immigration center named "San Vicente," located deep in Panama's dense jungle near the Colombia border. Their future remains uncertain as they await decisions on potential asylum status in Panama or elsewhere.

According to Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the ACLU, migrants are being sent to Panama without proper asylum screening, and upon arrival, they lack access to legal counsel. The recent deportations to Panama include individuals from various countries like Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. This initiative circumvents issues faced by the U.S. due to strained diplomatic relations hindering deportation to certain countries.

Criticism has been directed at the deportation process, with concerns raised by human rights groups regarding potential mistreatment of migrants and their safety upon potential return to their home countries. Despite questioning from various sources, Panamanian President Jose Mulino provided vague responses, prompting worries about migrants' legal rights and safety.

Additionally, there are worries about the safety of deported migrants, such as a Turkish woman and her daughter, who were sent back to Turkey. Challenges by rights groups like ACLU and NIJC against the U.S. government highlight instances where migrants seeking asylum were swiftly deported without due process, raising international concerns.

The approach taken by the U.S. and Panama comes under scrutiny, with accusations of delegating deportation strategies to Central American nations. Efforts by lawyers and human rights organizations to provide legal support to deported migrants have faced obstacles, including restricted access and communication limitations hindering their assistance. Concerns about due process, human rights violations, and lack of transparency surround the treatment of deported migrants in Panama’s jungle camp.