José Raúl Mulino sworn in as Panama’s new president, vows migration crackdown
NBCJUL 14 2024
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.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have implemented a plan to reduce the number of illegal migrants crossing the US-Mexico border through collaboration with Mexico and other Central American countries. Biden has banned asylum for illegal migrants who crossed the border and has fulfilled his promise to decrease the flow of illegal migrants passing through Panama's Darien Gap. Biden is committed to ending this illegal activity.
In March of this year, President Biden announced that he had assigned VP Kamala Harris to lead efforts with Mexico and Central American countries to prevent the flow of a record number of illegal migrants heading towards the US-Mexican border. The Biden administration is responsible for border security, law enforcement, and ensuring the safety of Americans. Unfortunately, history will remember them for their complete failure.