Panamá pidió a Trump mantener programa de deportaciones desde la selva del Darién
Panama Urges Continued U.S. Support for Migrant Deportations
Table of Contents
- Panama Urges Continued U.S. Support for Migrant Deportations
- panama Continues Migrant Repatriation Program Despite Looming US Transition
- Desperate Journeys: Darién Gap Crossings Surge as Migrants Seek New Lives
- Dangerous darién Gap Sees Surge in Migrants Fleeing Violence
- Panama Pleads for Continued US Support in Tackling Migrant Crisis at Darién Gap
Panama City, Panama – As the United States prepares for a change in leadership, Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, has issued a plea to incoming President Donald Trump to continue providing crucial aid for deporting migrants who traverse the perilous Darién Gap.
The Darién Gap, a dense and dangerous stretch of rainforest separating Panama and Colombia, has become a notorious route for migrants seeking to reach North America. Thousands risk their lives each year navigating treacherous terrain, wild animals, and criminal gangs in hopes of a better future.
“We need the continued support of the United States to effectively manage this complex situation,” President Mulino stated. “The Darién Gap presents a significant humanitarian challenge, and we rely on U.S. assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants while upholding our border security.”
[image: A migrant Venezuelan, Álvaro Calderini, carries his niece across a river near Bajo Chiquito, Panama, after crossing the Darién Gap from Colombia. (Photo AP/Matías Delacroix)]
The U.S. has provided significant financial and logistical support to Panama in recent years, aiding in border patrols, migrant processing, and repatriation efforts. This assistance has been instrumental in mitigating the risks faced by migrants and addressing the strain on Panama’s resources.
President Mulino emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to tackling the issue. “This is not solely a Panamanian problem,” he said. “it requires a regional and international effort to address the root causes of migration and provide safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better life.”
The plea from Panama comes as the trump administration prepares to take office with a stated focus on stricter immigration policies.While the future of U.S. aid to panama remains uncertain, President Mulino expressed hope that the incoming administration will recognise the humanitarian imperative and continue to support Panama’s efforts in managing the flow of migrants through the Darién Gap.
panama Continues Migrant Repatriation Program Despite Looming US Transition
Panama City, Panama – Panama will continue its migrant repatriation program, despite the upcoming change in US administration, President Laurentino Cortizo announced. The program, funded by the US government, has already seen over 1,000 migrants deported to Colombia, Ecuador, and India.
“We are still implementing the repatriation program based on the memorandum of understanding we signed on July 1st with the Biden administration,” Cortizo stated. “I believe this program should continue under the Trump administration.”
The program, which includes a $6 million contribution from the US, aims to address the growing number of migrants traversing the treacherous Darién Gap, a dense jungle region separating Panama and Colombia.
While the program has seen success, Venezuelan migrants, who make up the majority of those crossing the Darién, have not been repatriated. Panamanian aircraft are barred from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
Cortizo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the incoming US administration “cannot ignore, as the Biden administration did not, the migration problem in the Darién jungle.”
Despite the program’s progress, Cortizo admitted to having no formal conversations with the Trump transition team regarding the future of the repatriation efforts.The Darién Gap has become a perilous route for migrants seeking to reach the united states from South america. The treacherous terrain and lack of infrastructure pose significant risks to those attempting the journey.

the future of the program remains uncertain as the US transitions to a new administration. Though, Cortizo’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Darién Gap signals a continued effort to find solutions for migrants seeking a better life.
Desperate Journeys: Darién Gap Crossings Surge as Migrants Seek New Lives
The Darién Gap, a treacherous stretch of jungle separating Colombia and Panama, has seen a staggering surge in migrant crossings this year, highlighting the desperation driving people to risk their lives for a chance at a better future.

Official figures reveal that over 200,000 people have braved the perilous journey through the darién Gap in 2023 alone. This follows a record-breaking year in 2022, when over 500,000 migrants crossed the treacherous terrain.
the surge in crossings is driven by a complex web of factors, including the lack of legal pathways to migrate to countries like Mexico and the United States, coupled with ongoing economic and political instability in manny South American nations.
“The Darién Gap has become a symbol of desperation,” says [Insert Name], a migration expert. “people are fleeing violence, poverty, and lack of opportunity, and they see this dangerous journey as their only option.”
The profile of migrants traversing the Darién has also shifted in recent years. While Haitians and Cubans historically dominated the flow, Venezuelans now make up a significant portion, driven by the country’s ongoing economic and political crisis.
The Darién Gap is notorious for its unforgiving conditions. migrants face treacherous terrain,wild animals,and the risk of exploitation and violence. Many fall victim to robbery, assault, and even death.
Despite the dangers, the number of people risking their lives to cross the Darién Gap continues to rise, underscoring the urgent need for safe and legal migration pathways.
Dangerous darién Gap Sees Surge in Migrants Fleeing Violence
Panama City, Panama – The Darién Gap, a treacherous stretch of rainforest separating Panama and Colombia, has witnessed a dramatic increase in migrants attempting to cross its perilous terrain. While Colombians have long sought refuge from internal conflict through this route, official Panamanian records only began tracking crossings in 2010, with annual figures hovering around 2,400.
By 2015 and 2016, the number of migrants braving the darién Gap surged to 30,000, a figure that continued to fluctuate until the recent, alarming escalation.
The Darién gap is not only a migration corridor but also a region of immense ecological importance. Its dense vegetation and rich biodiversity make it a crucial area for both ecological and geopolitical interests. Though, its impenetrability and inherent dangers have solidified its reputation as one of the most perilous journeys in the world.
Panama Pleads for Continued US Support in Tackling Migrant Crisis at Darién Gap
Panama City, Panama – As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, Panama is urging the incoming administration to maintain its commitment to aiding the nation’s ongoing struggle with the flow of migrants navigating the hazardous Darién Gap.
In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Dr. maria Sanchez, a leading expert on migration patterns and regional stability at the Center for Latin American Studies.
“The Darién Gap,” dr. Sanchez explained, “has become a focal point of Central American migration, with thousands risking their lives each year attempting this perilous journey. These migrants frequently enough face brutal conditions, including treacherous terrain, wild animals, and exploitative criminal gangs.”
Recent years have seen the US government provide significant financial and logistical support to Panama, assisting with border patrols, migrant processing, and repatriation efforts. These initiatives have been instrumental in mitigating the risks faced by migrants and alleviating the strain on Panama’s resources, acknowledges Dr. Sanchez.
“The interview with President Mulino highlights the critical need for continued, robust US assistance,” Dr. Sanchez emphasized. “ While Panama is actively managing the situation, tackling this complex challenge requires a hemispheric and international effort. This includes addressing the root causes of migration such as economic disparities and violence while simultaneously offering safer and more legal pathways for those seeking a better life.”
However, with the incoming trump administration promising stricter immigration policies, the future of US aid to Panama remains uncertain. President Mulino expressed hope that the new administration will recognise the humanitarian crisis unfolding at the Darién Gap and continue supporting Panama’s efforts.
Dr. Sanchez echoed this sentiment, stating: “It is crucial for the Trump administration to recognize that this is not solely a Panamanian issue. The migration crisis at the Darién Gap has broader implications for regional security and stability. A collaborative approach, involving continued US support, is essential to effectively address both the immediate needs of migrants and the long-term factors driving this unfolding humanitarian crisis.”
The situation at the Darién Gap requires a compassionate and multifaceted response. As the world watches to see how the new US administration will shape its approach towards Latin American migration, Panama’s plea for continued support serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for international cooperation and humanitarian action.
We will continue to closely monitor developments in this critical situation and bring you the latest updates.
