Implications of the U.S.-Panama Agreement on Migration in the…

On July 1, 2023, the U.S. and Panama signed an agreement to assist in the deportation of migrants crossing the Darién Gap, highlighted by Panamanian President Mulino’s commitment to curb illegal migration. Colombian President Petro’s meetings with Mulino aimed to strategize on the rising migration crisis, alongside concerns expressed by experts regarding the implications of restricting migration and the potential empowerment of criminal organizations. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Darién underscores the complexities surrounding migration management in the region.

On July 1, 2023, the United States and Panama formalized an agreement allowing U.S. officials to assist Panama in deporting migrants traversing the Darién Gap, situated at the southern border with Colombia. This agreement coincided with the inauguration of Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who emphasized the necessity for international cooperation to tackle the Darién issue, which he indicated is exploited by organized crime. President Mulino expressed his commitment to preventing Panama from serving as a transit point for illegal immigrants, who he alleged are supported by drug trafficking and human trafficking networks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will finance programs aimed at curbing irregular migration in the Darién area, which includes helping with deportation operations and protection screenings. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “With President Mulino presiding, Panamanian Foreign Minister Arche and I signed an Agreement to help fund removal flights and deter irregular migration in the ruthless hands of smugglers. Battling the smugglers is both a security and a humanitarian mission.” In the lead-up to this agreement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Mulino to devise strategies for addressing the migration crisis affecting their shared border. Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, announced plans for a trilateral meeting involving Colombia, Panama, and the United States to implement measures safeguarding humanitarian conditions for migrants in the Darién region. Further, President Petro expressed intentions to hold a referendum for Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in the Darién zone regarding the potential construction of a transoceanic train designed to preserve local ecosystems. The Colombian Darién, a highly biodiverse region bordering Panama, has become a perilous crossing point for migrants en route to the United States. According to National Geographic, more than 5,000 kilometers of dense vegetation are routinely traversed by migrants. However, threats to their safety include control by the Clan del Golfo neo-paramilitary group. Human Rights Watch has criticized both Colombian and Panamanian governments for their failure to adequately protect migrants and asylum seekers within this area. The flow of migrants through the Darién has escalated from 130,000 individuals in 2021 to an alarmingly high 520,000 in 2023. Despite these challenges, the Panamanian government has taken a stance against humanitarian aid, having suspended operations of Doctors Without Borders and closing off areas in the Darién using barbed wire, as reported in various media outlets. Various experts have described President Mulino’s plan to restrict migration and deport illegal immigrants as implausible. Irene Cabrera, co-director of the Migrant Observatory at the Colombian University of Externado, has asserted, “impossible.” Diego Chavez-González from the Migration Policy Institute emphasized that restricting one area often leads to the emergence of new routes taken by migrants, complicating efforts to manage migration. These experts also noted that such measures may inadvertently empower criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and elevate the costs associated with illegal crossings. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to establishing favorable conditions within the Darién region while emphasizing the need to protect migrants from escalating violence as backlogs in migration may intensify. Overall, the implications of the U.S.-Panama agreement signal a complex mix of humanitarian concern and security challenges in the Darién Gap, highlighting the urgent need for informed international cooperation in addressing the migration crisis.

The Darién Gap is a treacherous and ecologically significant region straddling the border of Panama and Colombia, regularly traversed by migrants from various countries aiming to reach the United States. Often taken as a primary route by those fleeing violence, poverty, or repression in their home countries, the region is fraught with dangers, including armed groups, difficult terrain, and lack of humanitarian assistance. The governments of Colombia and Panama have faced growing pressure due to the increasing number of migrants, which has spurred international collaboration efforts to manage the situation, including the recent U.S.-Panama agreement intended to curb irregular migration and enhance border security.

The recent U.S.-Panama agreement has significant implications for managing migration through the Darién Gap, emphasizing both humanitarian challenges and security concerns. The cooperation among the three nations—Colombia, Panama, and the U.S.—highlights a concerted attempt to address a pressing migration crisis, though the effectiveness of such measures remains to be evaluated. As experts have noted, simply closing routes may lead to new, potentially more dangerous paths being forged by migrants, thereby complicating the situation further. The ongoing plight of migrants in this region necessitates a comprehensive approach that balances security with humanitarian needs.

Original Source: www.latinamericareports.com