Panama’s president, Jose Raul Mulino, recently announced a significant reduction in the number of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the treacherous Darien Gap jungle, connecting South and North America. The decline of nearly 41 percent was seen as a success of Panama’s efforts to limit irregular migration. The country faced pressure to crack down on migration due to the record high numbers of migrants and asylum seekers in recent years. The United States also experienced a surge in encounters at its southern border with Mexico, leading to a strong political backlash in the 2024 elections.
In 2023, a record number of migrants and asylum seekers passed through the Darien Gap, totaling over half a million people. However, in 2024, Panama saw a drastic decrease in the number of individuals undertaking the perilous journey, with approximately 302,203 individuals crossing the jungle. Similarly, the US reported a 14 percent drop in irregular border crossings in fiscal year 2024, with November marking the lowest monthly total during President Joe Biden’s term. Biden implemented strict measures limiting asylum access and threatening asylum petitions suspension if irregular border crossings exceeded a certain threshold.
The US has been actively encouraging its allies in South and Central America to curb irregular migration, with Panama and the US signing an agreement in July to prevent the passage of illegal migrants through the Darien Gap. This collaboration involved deportation flights funded by the US and the establishment of Safe Mobility Offices in various countries to discourage migrants from embarking on dangerous journeys to the border. Despite these efforts, there were still casualties and abandoned children along the perilous route, highlighting the risks associated with irregular migration.
Critics have raised concerns that efforts to crack down on irregular migration fail to address the underlying issues compelling migrants and asylum seekers to undertake dangerous journeys. In the case of Venezuela, which accounted for a significant portion of individuals crossing the Darien Gap, human rights violations and economic turmoil have driven millions to seek refuge in other countries. The contested presidential race and subsequent protests in Venezuela have resulted in arrests and casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and prompting many to flee in search of safety and basic necessities.
As the US and Panama continue their efforts to reduce irregular migration, there is an ongoing debate about the effectiveness and ethics of such measures. While supporters argue that these policies are necessary to control migration flows and uphold national security, critics warn of potential violations of international and humanitarian law. The focus on enforcement and deportation may overlook the root causes driving migrants to undertake perilous journeys, highlighting the need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions to address the plight of those seeking safety and a better life.
