Panama’s newly elected President, Jose Raul Mulino, has announced plans to significantly tighten border security and reduce illegal migration through the Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle corridor that has served as a major transit route for migrants seeking to reach the United States. In a recent statement, Mulino emphasized that Panama’s sovereignty will no longer be compromised by its role as a transit country, declaring, “Panama and our Darien [Gap] are not a transit route. It is our border.”
This policy shift marks a significant departure from Panama’s previous stance of assisting migrants in their northward journey by providing transportation through the gap. The change is in direct response to mounting pressure from the United States, which has urged Mexico and other Central American countries to implement stricter border controls to curb the flow of illegal immigration.
The Darien Gap, despite its inherent dangers and the presence of criminal organizations, has become a popular route for migrants in recent years. Those seeking to reach the U.S. often turn to cartels and other illicit groups for assistance in navigating the treacherous terrain. However, Mulino’s new policy aims to make Panama a less appealing option for both migrants and criminal organizations by instituting swift deportation measures.
Mulino stated, “Because when we start to deport people here in an immediate deportation plan, the interest for sneaking through Panama will decrease.”
However, some experts have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a plan, citing Panama’s limited capacity to handle mass deportations. Analyst Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America pointed out that Panama would need to operate daily flights to repatriate a significant portion of the migrant flow, which is both costly and logistically challenging.
Despite these concerns, Mulino remains confident in his plan’s effectiveness, asserting that it will deter migrants from using Panama as a transit route. The full impact of Panama’s new border policy remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to illegal migration and its role in the ongoing border crisis.
