Panama's New Migration Policies Cut Darien Gap Crossings by 42%

In 2024, over 300,000 migrants crossed Panama's Darien Gap, a 42% decrease from 2023. President Jose Raul Mulino's stricter measures, including barbed wire fences and deportation flights, contributed to this drop. However, analysts warn these might exacerbate dangers without addressing migration root causes.

In a significant shift, over 300,000 migrants crossed the perilous Darien Gap into Panama in 2024, marking a 42% decrease from the record-high numbers of the previous year. This geographical point connects Colombia and Panama, serving as a major transit route for migrants heading to the United States.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who took office in July, has implemented tougher policies on migration. These include installing barbed wire barriers and imposing fines, alongside utilizing American-funded flights to deport migrants. According to Panama's National Migration Service, Venezuelans constituted 69% of the migrants in 2024.

While the Panamanian government has been proactive in its efforts, analysts caution that these measures may not suffice long-term. They argue that without addressing the root causes of migration, such interventions may make the journey even riskier for those fleeing crises, particularly in Venezuela.