In 2024, over 300,000 migrants traversed the treacherous Darien Gap into Panama—a 42% decrease compared to the record number who made the dangerous jungle crossing from South America in 2023, according to Panama’s migration authorities.
Since taking office in July, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has adopted stricter migration policies, including installing barbed wire barriers along parts of the Darien, imposing fines, and utilizing U.S.-funded flights to deport migrants.
Panama’s National Migration Service reported that 302,203 migrants crossed the Darien in 2024, compared to the 520,085 recorded in 2023. Officials noted that Venezuelans made up 69% of those crossing in 2024, many fleeing their country’s ongoing economic collapse.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure illegal migration does not extend to Panama City or other parts of the country,” Mulino stated during a speech to lawmakers.
He also highlighted that his administration had deported 1,548 migrants through an agreement with the U.S. However, 209,000 Venezuelans who crossed the Darien were allowed to proceed after direct flights between Panama and Venezuela were suspended following Venezuela’s contested July election.
Experts have cautioned that Panama’s approach may not yield long-term success, as it fails to address the root causes of migration and could increase the risks faced by those attempting the journey.
Moreover, humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the implications of Panama’s tougher stance. Restrictive measures like fencing and deportations may force migrants to take more dangerous routes, exposing them to greater risks of extortion, exploitation, and violence at the hands of smugglers or criminal groups operating in the region.
The Darien Gap, notorious for its harsh terrain and lack of infrastructure, has long been a bottleneck for migrants traveling from South America to Central America. Reports from aid groups highlight frequent cases of dehydration, injury, and even death during the crossing.
International observers have urged a regional approach to address migration through the Darien Gap, advocating for coordinated efforts to address the socio-economic and political conditions driving people to leave their home countries. While Panama’s measures aim to control the flow of migrants, experts argue that without meaningful investment in regional stability and economic opportunity, the migration crisis is unlikely to subside.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to play a significant role in funding deportation efforts and offering logistical support to Panama. However, critics say that U.S. policies also need to adapt to reflect the realities of migration patterns and the humanitarian needs of those affected.
As the debate over migration intensifies, the Darien Gap remains a critical and controversial flashpoint, symbolizing both the resilience of those seeking better lives and the challenges facing nations attempting to manage migration flows responsibly.
