The perilous Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle crossing between Panama and Colombia, has witnessed a staggering surge in migrants in recent years, sparking significant concerns about border security and national security. A recent report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a conservative group advocating for lower immigration levels, unveils alarming statistics highlighting this dramatic increase.
The report, obtained by Fox News Digital, compares migration through the Darien Gap between 2010-2020 and 2021-2024. The findings are stark: The number of migrants crossing has exploded, jumping from 115,758 to 1.18 million. More concerning is the sharp increase in migrants from specific countries of interest, including Afghanistan, China, and Iran.
The number of Afghan nationals transiting the Darien Gap increased from a mere 98 (2010-2020) to a shocking 8,294 (2021-2024)—an astounding 8,363% rise. Chinese nationals saw an even more dramatic increase, from 299 to 39,921. Iranian crossings climbed from 14 to 935, and Syrian crossings rose from 28 to 762. This surge represents a significant shift in the demographics of those attempting to reach the United States.
These increases are not merely statistical anomalies; they raise serious national security implications. Concerns regarding Chinese nationals stem from documented instances of CCP-directed espionage and theft of military and economic secrets. Similarly, the foiled Election Day terror plot planned by a paroled Afghan national highlights the potential risks associated with uncontrolled migration from conflict zones.
Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-Florida), during an appearance on ‘The Faulkner Focus,’ weighed in on the crisis, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The report directly attributes the crisis to what it terms “open border policies” in the U.S., arguing that these policies incentivize perilous journeys from around the globe to reach the United States. The report emphasizes that migrants believe they will likely be released into the country if they reach the US border.
The sheer scale of the migrant flow is staggering. The FAIR report reveals that at least 760,000 nationals from countries of special interest, including those with links to Hezbollah and other terrorist groups, crossed the Darien Gap between 2021 and 2024. Over half of those crossings involved adult men. In 2024 alone, the top nationalities were Venezuelans, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Chinese, and Haitians. The number of crossings skyrocketed from just over 6,000 in 2020 to over 520,000 in 2023, before falling to 286,000 in 2024.
Panama’s response has involved a new accord with the U.S., where the U.S. will fund the repatriation of migrants apprehended in the Darien Gap. This agreement also includes providing Panama with equipment and logistical support. However, FAIR contends that even with U.S. assistance, Panama alone cannot fully resolve the crisis. The report concludes that a lasting solution necessitates addressing the root cause: US immigration policies.
Meanwhile, the US has seen a significant drop in migrant encounters at its southern border this year, partly attributed to President Biden’s June proclamation limiting asylum. While President-elect Trump has promised further border security measures and large-scale deportations upon taking office, the ongoing crisis at the Darien Gap underscores the complexity and multifaceted nature of this global challenge, demanding comprehensive and collaborative solutions from both countries involved.
