Among other things, the Trump administration has expanded expedited removal processes and ramped up ICE operations. It gives immigration officials the ability to deport people without a court hearing if they are unable to show that they have lived in the United States for more than two years. Thousands of families are affected by the mass deportation policy, which has caused a surge in removals.

Becoming the Unintended Holding Ground for Deported Migrants

Central American nations like Panama and Costa Rica have been under such pressure from the Trump administration to accept deported people from a variety of countries, including those outside the Americas. Universally, nations such as China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan accounted for approximately 300 deportees that Panama took in February 2025, while at least 135 individuals from Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, and Russia were deported to Costa Rica in February 2025.

The legality of the rights and safety of deportees as well the absorptive capacity of these Central American states to cope with the mass deportation policies have come into question given that these arrangements have been established.

The Uncertain Futures of Deported Migrants in Central America

The United States currently holds migrants such as Afghanistan, Iran, China and Pakistan in shelters in Central America, particularly Panama. Just last month, over 300 people from these countries were reportedly placed in a Panamanian province in Dariэн, a remote immigration center. As for these migrants, they have very bad conditions, limited access to legal representation, poor living conditions, and not really good asylum screening.

Lawyers said they were unable to reach their clients, with some worried that the migrants may be unsafe or their rights violated. Due to lack of clear routes of seeking asylum, these individuals are in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability. In addition, there has been the mass deportation of individuals from various backgrounds which has also added to humanitarian issues.

How Central American Leaders Are Balancing U.S. Demands and Domestic Concerns

The United States is continuing to push other countries on the southern side of its border to prevent migrants from its regions from finding safe passage across Central America as they look for a better life elsewhere. These operations have been opposed by Panamanian politicians and commentators who now object to the country ‘becoming the Guantanamo of Central America,’ saying it was contrary to Panamanian and international law.

Like Costa Rica and Panama, they are working together to help the southbound transit of the migrants through their own countries, to keep them from being taken by human traffickers on truckers and to be organized. Guatemala agreed to boost deportations by increasing flights to the US, ferrying both Guatemalans and other migrants here, and to augment efforts to stop other migrants from coming to its southern borders. However, the mass deportation strategy has made these nations reconsider their immigration policies while not undermining their diplomatic relations with the U.S.

The Potential Collapse of Remittance-Dependent Economies

GDPs are composed of very large shares of remittances for Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. That year, remittances made to Guatemala were $19.8 billion, El Salvador got $8.2 billion, and Honduras got $9.2 billion. The consumption, imports, and the economic stability are totally driven by these funds.

The remittance inflows into these nations can be reduced by mass deportations from the U.S., which can cause a decrease in consumer spending and higher unemployment levels, increasing the levels of poverty, and destabilizing the economies of the nations. Mass deportation policies may lead to massive financial depletion of migrant workers, resulting in economic downturns to an extent.

How an Influx of Returnees Could Strain Fragile Central American Societies

Some of these mass deportations to Central America may overload healthcare, education and infrastructure systems. However, these countries already have weak public services and lack of resources. It could be that hospitals and schools become overcrowded as soon as a tide of returnees comes flooding back. If local economies don’t manage to be absorbed by deportees, unemployment can rise. It also places further burden on social services which in turn will increase the risk of economic instability and social unrest with the mass deportation of thousands of people.

The ACLU’s Fight Against Migrant Transfers to Guantanamo Bay

The Trump administration has been sued by the ACLU to stop 10 migrants from being transferred to Guantanamo Bay. According to the lawsuit, the move violates U.S. immigration laws and conditions are harsh for detainees. Migrants from Venezuela, Pakistan, and Afghanistan face extended isolation and abuse. It also reports suicide attempts and degrading treatment. The claims are dismissed by Homeland Security and the agency is prepared to litigate against the lawsuit. There have been significant legal and ethical problems arising from the mass deporting of individuals into offshore detention facilities.

How Global News Outlets Are Covering the Mass Deportation Strategy

The Guardian and The New York Post present contrasting views on Trump’s mass deportation strategy. The focus of the Guardian is on economic harm and family separations, and threats to immigrant communities. According to the New York Post, this includes enforced efforts, including dismantling human smuggling operations. They determine the discussion by either characterising the policy as harmful or justified. Media coverage also has a big role to influence people on whether you agree to the mass deportation policies or how that policy will affect long term.

Trump’s mass deportation strategy is reshaping immigration dynamics, placing economic, social, and political pressure on Central American nations. Legal challenges, media narratives, and international responses continue to influence its impact. As mass deportations intensify, the long-term effects on migrants, host countries, and global migration policies remain uncertain.