Migrant crossings through Panama's Darien Gap down 35% in 2024

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Sep 27, 2024

Above: On September 21, 2023, migrants cross the Tuquesa river near Bajo Chiquito village, Panama's first Darien Province border check. The journey through the treacheros Darien Gap typically takes five or six days, through extreme terrain and weather. Image copyright: LUIS ACOSTA / Contributor / AFP via Getty Images***PLAESE REPLACE WATERMARKED IMAGE***story last updated Sep 27

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.After President Jose Raul Mulino entered office on July 1, he blocked jungle transit routes and increased deportations with US assistance, 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 Spin

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.

Barrons

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.

Homeland

At first, this policy may seem like a good idea. Yet, it is doomed to fail and force vulnerable people further into the hands of human trafficking gangs. Desperate migrants flee either poverty or persecution, so they are already willing to take significant risks on their journey to the US border. Blocking this route will only drive them further underground and possibly taking more dangerous routes.