Fact Check: U.S. sent 299 migrants to Panama in February 2025.

Fact Check: "U.S. sent 299 migrants to Panama in February 2025"

What We Know

In February 2025, the United States government deported a total of 299 migrants to Panama. This action was part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to accelerate deportations of undocumented migrants, particularly those from countries that were difficult to repatriate directly. The migrants were sent to Panama between February 12 and 15, 2025, as reported by Human Rights Watch and confirmed by multiple news outlets including NPR and Reuters.

Upon arrival in Panama, these migrants were initially housed in a hotel in Panama City under police guard. Reports indicated that many of them were from various Asian countries, including India, China, and Iran, and were awaiting arrangements for their return to their home countries or potential relocation to third countries (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. sent 299 migrants to Panama is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that 299 migrants were indeed sent to Panama, with 97 of them later transferred to a migrant camp in the Darien province after refusing voluntary repatriation (NPR). Additionally, the Panamanian government confirmed the number of deportees, stating that they had become a "temporary custody" center for these individuals (BBC).

The reliability of these sources is high. The Associated Press and BBC are well-respected news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. Furthermore, the information has been corroborated by reports from Reuters and Human Rights Watch, which adds to the credibility of the claim.

However, it is important to note that the situation surrounding these deportations is complex and involves various humanitarian concerns. Reports indicate that many migrants expressed fears about being returned to their home countries, highlighting the precarious nature of their circumstances (BBC). This context is crucial for understanding the implications of the deportations beyond the mere fact of their occurrence.

Conclusion

The claim that the U.S. sent 299 migrants to Panama in February 2025 is True. This assertion is supported by multiple credible sources and reflects a significant action taken by the U.S. government as part of its immigration policy during that period. The deportation of these migrants has raised various humanitarian concerns, but the factual basis of the claim stands verified.