Panama's security minister said on Tuesday that more than half of the migrants deported from the United States to transit point Panama in recent days had accepted voluntary repatriations to their home countries,

Panama is detaining in a hotel nearly 300 people from various countries deported by the United States, not allowing them to leave while waiting for international authorities to organize a return to their countries.

The administration has asked Panama to take in hundreds of people who can’t easily be sent back to their countries. Many say they are in danger.

The US deported 119 people of different nationalities to Panama as part of an agreement between the administration of US President Donald Trump and the Central American nation, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said on Tuesday (Feb 18).

PANAMA CITY — Panama's government denied Tuesday that migrants deported by the United States who were seen holding up signs to hotel windows pleading for help were being held against their will. Public Security Minister Frank Abrego said the migrants were not being "deprived of their freedom" while they await repatriation.