The Facts

• Recent data indicate that the number of migrants crossing Panama's Darien Gap has decreased by 35% from January to September 25, relative to the previous year. The new governments' increased security measures are credited for the decrease.

• After President Jose Raul Mulino entered office on July 1, he blocked forest transit routes and increased deportations with US aid, reducing migrant numbers. The first nine months of 2024 saw 259,712 migrants enter Panama via Darien, according to Panama's National Border Service.

• The current number should be compared to last year's total of 520K migrants, predominantly from Venezuela, who crossed the Darien Gap in pursuit of better life opportunities in the US.