Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced the closure of the Darién Gap to migrants, following a steep decline in crossings due to fears of U.S. deportations. With only 112 migrants crossing in March, the government is now facilitating return paths for those coming from the north. This shift marks a significant reversal in migration patterns as the country begins dismantling support camps for travelers.
The Darién jungle, situated between Colombia and Panama, has been officially closed off as a route for migrants, according to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The number of migrants traversing this area has plummeted, largely due to fears stemming from potential mass deportations under former President Donald Trump’s administration. Previously, the Darién served as a transit corridor for approximately one million travelers attempting to reach the United States over three years.
During a press conference, President Mulino stated, “We have closed an operation that began in 2016,” highlighting the notable reduction in crossings with only 112 migrants recorded in March. The Darién spans 266 kilometers and encompasses 575,000 hectares, becoming a critical route for thousands, predominantly from Venezuela. Consequently, the Panamanian government, in collaboration with UN agencies, established aid posts to support travelers, including vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Moreover, President Mulino noted a shift in migration patterns, mentioning an increase in individuals returning southward from Mexico and other Central American nations, rather than heading to the U.S. These migrants are opting for maritime routes from small Caribbean ports in Panama to return to Colombia, thus avoiding the perilous jungle crossing. “We will not allow more migrants in the Darién region,” Mulino stated, reaffirming his commitment to closing this migration route, a promise made during his 2024 election campaign.
To facilitate this new directive, the government has implemented an exit strategy enabling migrants to leave Panama along the same jungle pathway, heading towards Caribbean departure points. As a result of the drastic decrease in migrant numbers, Panama is now commencing the dismantling of the assistance camps that were previously established to support those traveling through the region.
In summary, the Panamanian government has effectively shut down the Darién Gap as a migration route in response to declining numbers of migrants, largely due to fears of deportations under the previous U.S. administration. The shift in migration patterns has resulted in an increased number of individuals returning southward, prompting measures to facilitate their safe return. President Mulino’s administration remains firm in its decision to prevent further crossings through this dangerous jungle.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
