Darién Gap Migration Route Closed by Panama Amid U.S. Deportation Fears
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has announced the cessation of migration through the Darién Gap due to fears of U.S. deportations. Only 112 migrants traversed this corridor in March, a significant decline from previous years. As migration from the north increases, Panamanian authorities have established return routes for migrants, while dismantling support camps.
The Darién Gap, a challenging jungle area between Colombia and Panama, has been effectively closed to migrants pursuing opportunities in the United States, as announced by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. He highlighted that the volume of migrants attempting to traverse this region has diminished dramatically due to concerns over mass deportations initiated by the Trump administration, which previously facilitated the passage of one million migrants over three years.
During a press conference, Mulino mentioned, “We have closed an operation that began in 2016,” as the crossing figures significantly decreased over time. In March, only 112 migrants used this route, which was once a vital corridor across its expansive 266 km stretch, primarily utilized by Venezuelan migrants. The Panamanian government, alongside UN agencies, had previously established aid posts for these travelers, which included vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
As migration patterns shift, Mulino indicated that a new wave of migrants from northern regions is emerging, who are retreating from their intentions to reach the U.S. and are instead heading back to South America from countries like Mexico and other Central American nations. These individuals are opting to travel by boat from coastal areas in Panama to avoid the treacherous jungle crossing.
In response to this situation, President Mulino emphatically stated, “We will not allow more migrants in the Darién region,” a commitment he made during his election campaign in 2024. To manage the flow of migrants, his administration has also implemented an exit route for those already within Panama, directing them back to Colombia via the same jungle pathway. Consequently, the drop in migration has led to the gradual dismantlement of support camps previously established to assist migrants.
In conclusion, the closure of the Darién Gap migration route marks a significant shift in migration patterns, driven by fears of deportation under U.S. policy. With a drastic reduction in migrants attempting the perilous journey, the Panamanian government has implemented new measures to manage the flow of individuals, including return pathways to Colombia. The evolving landscape of migration underscores the complexities faced by those seeking refuge and opportunity in the United States.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
