Migration Declines in Darien Gap Amid New Panamanian Administration's Efforts

Migratory movement through the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has dropped significantly as Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino takes action. Border police note an 11,363 migrant count since July 1, a drop from the record-breaking numbers of 2023. Measures include barbed wire installations and deportation plans.

Migration through the Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama has declined significantly this month since Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino took office and ordered authorities to get control of the dense jungle frontier, the country's border police said Wednesday.

Still, migration through the Darien remains slightly above what it was in a record-breaking 2023, when more than 500,000 migrants – more than half Venezuelans – made the treacherous journey.

The National Border Service reported Wednesday that 11,363 migrants had crossed the border since July 1, about 9,000 fewer than the same period last year.

The agency's director general, Jorge Gobea, attributed the reduction to the installation of about 3 miles (5 kilometres) of barbed wire on five trails in an effort to funnel migrants to a "humanitarian corridor." He also said the government's announcement of its more aggressive efforts and plan to deport migrants back to their countries, as well as heavy rains, could have affected the number of border crossers.

(With inputs from agencies.)