Panama is taking decisive action to address migration challenges in the Americas. Newly inaugurated President José Raúl Mulino has committed to curbing the flow of migrants through the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle corridor linking South and Central America. It has become a key route for hundreds of thousands of migrants heading to the U.S.
In a landmark move, Mulino’s administration signed a bilateral agreement with the United States. Panama will increase its border security and shut down the route. In exchange, the U.S. will finance the repatriation of migrants entering Panama illegally.
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“I won’t allow Panama to be an open path for thousands of people who enter our country illegally, supported by an international organization related to drug trafficking and human trafficking,” Mulino said during his inauguration.
The Darién Gap is notorious for its dense jungle and lawlessness, making it a dangerous yet popular route for migrants. To strengthen Panama’s ability to enforce its immigration laws, the U.S. will provide logistical and technical assistance, including equipping and training Panamanian officials.
For migrants set to be removed, the U.S. will cover the cost of charter or commercial flights, though the government has not shared the price tag for these tickets.
The White House said its focus is on reducing illegal crossings while respecting the rights and safety of individuals.
“By returning such individuals to their country of origin, we will help deter irregular migration in the region and at our Southern border, and halt the enrichment of malign smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable migrants,” the Biden administration said is a press release.
More than 170,000 migrants crossed the Darién Gap in the first five months of this year, according to Panama’s migration agency. This figure is 2% higher than the nearly 167,000 who made the same journey last year, indicating that 2024 could once again set new records.
