Ten migrants drowned in a river near Panama’s border with Colombia, highlighting the dangers of the Darien Gap, a key route for migrants heading to the US. The incident occurred amid Panama’s new crackdown on illegal crossings, sparking controversy over the effectiveness and potential consequences of the measure.
Panama’s newly-elected president, Jose Raul Mulino, has declared the ongoing migrant crisis in the Western Hemisphere a “United States problem.” He also stated that deportation flights, partly funded by the US, are only voluntary. Despite efforts to limit crossings through the dangerous Darien Gap, over half a million migrants passed through Panama last year. Mulino has vowed to make changes and increase deportations but insists that only migrants who agree will be returned to their homelands.
The United States has agreed to pay for flights and offer logistical support to Panama to repatriate migrants who cross the Darien Gap illegally, as the Central American country’s new president vows to shut down the treacherous route. The agreement comes amidst a surge in migration through the Darien Gap, with over 190,000 migrants crossing in 2024 alone.
José Raúl Mulino, Panama’s newly inaugurated president, has pledged to shut down irregular migration through the Darien Gap, a perilous jungle route connecting Panama to Colombia. Mulino has secured a U.S. commitment to cover repatriation costs, but faces challenges in implementing his strict policy. Experts warn that this could force migrants onto riskier routes and benefit smugglers, while potentially impacting U.S. border crossings.
Panama’s President-elect Jose Raul Mulino has pledged to shut down the Darien Gap, a crucial migration passage through the country that has seen over 500,000 migrants pass through in the last year. This policy shift comes amid the ongoing border crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and pressure from the U.S. on Mexico to help alleviate the situation.
