The number of migrants making their way through the jungles of Colombia and Panama on their journey to the US has decreased in recent weeks. This could indicate a possible decrease in the number of new arrivals at the southern border.
According to Elias Solis, president of the Red Cross of Panama, tighter controls implemented by Panama’s new president and the closure of borders following Venezuela’s controversial election have played a role in the deAccording to Elias Solis, president of the Red Cross of Panamacrease. The Red Cross of Panama provides humanitarian and medical aid to those who undertake the perilous journey through the Darien Gap, where many individuals arrive dehydrated and with health issues, injuries, and emotional trauma. Among the largest groups seeking assistance are Venezuelans, Ecuadoreans, and Haitians.
Since President Joe Biden’s executive order in June limiting asylum claims, the number of undocumented migrants crossing the southern US border has significantly decreased. This decline is further supported by the data from the Darien Gap. The decrease in border crossings could be advantageous for Democrat Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, as she aims to counter the criticisms from former President Donald Trump regarding the administration’s border security efforts. According to polling conducted by Bloomberg News and Morning Consult in swing states, immigration is the second most important issue for voters in the upcoming presidential election, following closely behind the economy.
Adam Isacson, an expert on US migration policy at the Washington Office on Latin America, believes that the decrease in Darien numbers is hindering the Republican party’s ability to use the border as a point of criticism against Kamala Harris. He suggests that this temporary situation has muted their usual attacks on this issue.
The influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border reached an all-time high of 2.5 million in 2023. However, there has been a significant decrease in encounters with US agents since June, following President Biden’s directive. This decline continued in July, indicating a downward trend in border crossings.
Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, took immediate action upon his inauguration on July 1. In an effort to enhance border security, Mulino made the decision to close six out of the seven border crossings between Panama and Colombia. The implementation of barbed wire fences and increased sea patrols in the region further solidified this strategy. The Red Cross of Panama reported these developments in their July newsletter, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders.
The Darien Gap, located between Colombia and Panama, is a dense rainforest that connects South and Central America. Historically, it has been deemed almost impossible to traverse. However, Panama’s government reported that over 520,000 individuals successfully crossed it last year while heading north.
According to Red Cross figures, approximately 216,000 individuals made the journey across the treacherous Darien Gap from Colombia to Panama within the year ending in July.
Venezuelan vote
The long-term impact of the Venezuelan election on immigration remains uncertain, although there may be an increase in the coming months, according to the organization. President Nicolas Maduro’s re-election for a third term has been met with extensive international criticism regarding the transparency of the electoral process.
Solis explained that individuals choose to migrate for various reasons, including their socioeconomic circumstances, political persecution, or the presence of violence in their home countries. According to Solis, if the borders with Venezuela were to be opened, it is highly likely that the influx of migrants would persist.
During his campaign, Mulino made a commitment to address the issue of the Darien Gap, citing concerns over national security and the preservation of Panama’s natural environment. As part of this effort, Panama has partnered with the US government to facilitate the repatriation of migrants. The inaugural deportation flight to Colombia took place last week.
According to Ariel Ruiz Soto, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, a think tank based in Washington, the impact of these flights is expected to be minimal. Additionally, Panamanian authorities face challenges in monitoring the physical barriers at the Darien Gap, such as barbed wire, due to a lack of manpower. One of the difficulties officials encounter is the difficulty in repatriating apprehended migrants.
According to Ruiz Soto, returning to Colombia is not just dangerous, but it is also a challenging task for individuals. He further mentioned that most of the time, travelers who manage to cross the Darien Gap are permitted to continue their journeys north. However, establishing a corridor for the return of people would require significant efforts on the Colombian side.
