Panama's recent crackdown on migration through the hazardous Darien Gap has resulted in a substantial decrease of migrants.
This year, migrant traffic through Panama’s Darien Gap has fallen by 40%, following a new security agreement with the United States, the New York Post reported.
The Darien Gap, known as a critical corridor for migrants traveling from South America to the U.S., stretches over 70 miles. This path serves as the sole land bridge between the South and Central American continents.
Newly elected Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who took office in July, has been at the forefront of these new enforcement measures, aiming to diminish illegal crossings that have previously surged into the hundreds of thousands.
Under President Mulino's administration, Panama has seen a dramatic overhaul in border management, specifically through the introduction of more stringent controls like biometric screenings. These screenings help identify migrants with potential criminal histories as they navigate through one of the most challenging terrains globally.
Crossings notably dipped to around 300,000 migrants this year, compared to over 530,000 last year. The dramatic decrease can be attributed to the heightened security measures, including the deployment of troops and the installation of razor-wire barriers. Security Minister Frank Abrego highlighted the significance of these measures in curbing illegal activities and ensuring safer and more regulated movement through the area.
Before security enhancements, the Darien Gap saw days where up to 25,000 migrants utilized this dangerous route. The necessity of these changes stemmed not only from the high volume of traffic but also from the peril the dense jungle posed to those attempting the journey, often guided by human smugglers.
The reduction of migrant crossings has been supported financially by the United States, which has agreed to cover the cost of repatriating those who enter Panama illegally. In a statement, President Mulino expressed his viewpoint regarding U.S. involvement:
We want the Trump administration to realize that its border is actually here at the Darien Gap and to see how complicated that area is. We are still concerned.
This cooperation has fostered a shared commitment to managing migration flows more effectively and humanely. However, Mulino has voiced that the effort requires ongoing U.S. support to sustain its effectiveness and prevent future surges in migration through this route.
The bi-lateral support extends beyond just controlling migration. The U.S. has continued to provide Panama with the necessary funds to maintain these stringent enforcement policies, emphasizing the importance of a sustained and unified approach to handle the migration crisis at its source.
In addition to migration topics, President Mulino has tackled other significant national matters, such as the status of the Panama Canal. Despite rumors and pressures, Mulino firmly opposes any negotiations that would lead to a change in the control of the canal from Panama to any foreign entity, including the U.S. The canal changing hands is not in the offing.
As we reflect on the events of this year, the efficient measures implemented by President José Raúl Mulino in Panama have proven pivotal in decreasing the mass migration through the Darien Gap. While these changes have already yielded positive results, their durability depends on continued support and cooperation from international partners like the U.S. Experts emphasize that without sustained effort and resources, the number of migrant crossings might once again rise, highlighting the complex, ongoing nature of global migration issues.
