Migration through the Darien Gap, the dense jungle frontier dividing Colombia and Panama, has seen a significant decline this month following the inauguration of Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The country's border police reported that the number of migrants crossing the border has decreased, with 11,363 migrants entering since July 1, about 9,000 fewer than the same period last year.
In an effort to control the migration flow, authorities have installed approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) of barbed wire on five trails to guide migrants towards a designated 'humanitarian corridor.' The reduction in migration numbers has also been attributed to the government's more aggressive stance and plans to deport migrants back to their home countries, along with adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains.
Since the beginning of the year, over 212,000 migrants have entered Panama through the Darien Gap, including individuals from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. President Mulino has vowed to crack down on illegal migration through the Darien Gap, with the U.S. government agreeing to fund deportation flights for inadmissible migrants, although these flights have not yet commenced.
Under the previous administration, Panama facilitated the transit of migrants through the country in an orderly manner. However, the current administration's efforts to strengthen border enforcement could potentially impact the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border, at least temporarily. This shift may lead migrants to seek riskier routes and increase opportunities for human smugglers.
Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed a 29% decrease in arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico in June, marking the lowest monthly total during President Joe Biden's term. The number of arrests dropped to 83,536 in June from 117,901 in May, with a significant decline in daily average arrests following the suspension of asylum processing when daily arrests exceeded 2,500.
These developments in Panama and the U.S. could have implications for migration patterns in the region, potentially affecting the flow of migrants and the activities of human smugglers. The situation remains dynamic, and further actions by both governments may shape future migration trends.
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