Panama Shuts Down Darién Gap Migration Route Amid U.S. Deportation Fears

Panama has halted the use of the Darién Gap as a migration route due to fears of mass deportations from the U.S. The number of migrants crossing has dramatically decreased, prompting the government to assist returning migrants instead of facilitating their journey north. This shift reflects a broader change in regional migration patterns, with significant implications for government policies.

The Darién Gap, situated at the border between Colombia and Panama, has ceased to be a migration corridor for individuals pursuing opportunities in the United States. This significant development was announced by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, attributing the drastic reduction in migratory flow to fears instigated by potential mass deportations under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

Previously, this treacherous jungle, spanning 266 kilometers, served as a conduit for approximately one million migrants over the last three years. President Mulino noted, “Today, in March, we have reached 112 migrants crossing the Darién, which is a significant decrease.” The influx mostly consisted of Venezuelans, prompting the Panamanian government and United Nations agencies to establish support stations for these travelers, including vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

With the drop in crossings, President Mulino indicated that a new trend is emerging, wherein migrants from the north are increasingly returning toward South America rather than proceeding to the U.S. He explained, “another flow is coming, the one from the north, which is beginning to rise,” referring to individuals abandoning their attempts to enter the United States due to deportation fears. These migrants are circumventing the jungle by utilizing maritime routes from small Caribbean ports in Panama to reach Colombia.

Mulino explicitly stated, “We will not allow more migrants in the Darién region,” a promise he made during his 2024 election campaign. In response to the changing dynamics, the Panamanian government has implemented an exit route for migrants within the jungle, facilitating their return to their countries via the Caribbean coast. As a result of the diminished migration flow, Panama has begun dismantling camps that were previously established to assist migrants.

In conclusion, the closure of the Darién migration route marks a significant change in the patterns of migration within Central America. President José Raúl Mulino’s administration is responding to the fear of deportations by facilitating return migration to Colombia, while dismantling support systems that were once necessary. The evolving situation highlights the complexities of migration in the region and the impact of policy decisions on the movement of people seeking better opportunities.

Original Source: ticotimes.net