Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced the closure of the Darién Gap migration route, attributing the significant drop in crossings to fears of U.S. deportations under President Trump. The number of migrants crossing has plummeted to 112 as many now travel southward instead. Additionally, the government is facilitating an exit route back to Colombia and dismantling camps for migrants due to this declining flow.
On Thursday, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced the cessation of the Darién Gap migration route, a once-popular corridor for migrants aiming for the United States. The decrease in migrant crossings is attributed to fears of mass deportations from the U.S. government, significantly reducing the number of individuals braving the inhospitable jungle. Previously, this route had accommodated one million travelers over three years.
President Mulino noted that this operation, which began in 2016 amidst rising migration, has drastically changed, with only 112 migrants crossing the Darién in March. This 266-kilometer jungle, spanning 575,000 hectares, has been a vital passage for numerous migrants, particularly from Venezuela. The Panamanian government, along with UN agencies, established assistance posts to support these travelers, including vulnerable groups such as women and children.
As deportation fears grow, a new trend has emerged where migrants are journeying southward from Mexico and other Central American countries, instead of continuing to the U.S. According to Mulino, these individuals are opting to travel by boat to avoid the jungle. He firmly stated, “We will not allow more migrants in the Darién region,” signifying his government’s commitment to closing this route, a promise made during his 2024 election campaign.
To facilitate this change, Mulino indicated that a departing route has been created within the jungle, enabling migrants entering Panama to exit through the same pathways towards the Caribbean coast and back to Colombia. Due to the sharp decline in migration, Panama has begun dismantling support camps that were previously established for incoming individuals.
The Panamanian government has decisively shut down the Darién Gap migration route in response to rising deportation fears stemming from the United States. This has led to a substantial drop in migrant crossings, with strategic measures now redirecting those who enter Panama back toward Colombia. As the situation evolves, the government continues to dismantle support structures established for the migrant flow, reaffirming its stance on controlling migration through the region.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
