Last week, tens of thousands of migrants crossed through the dense tropical rainforest of the Darién Gap and poured into Panama, sparking concerns that this route may be closed, shattering their hopes of reaching the United States.
Panama’s newly inaugurated President Raúl Mulino vowed to take measures to prevent large groups of migrants from crossing through the Darién Gap and heading north through several Central American countries to reach the U.S.
On July 1, the same day Mulino took office, Panama reached an agreement with the United States, with the U.S. agreeing to cover the cost of the plane tickets for repatriating migrants to their home countries.
Migrants expressed despair over Panama potentially shutting down this perilous smuggling route starting from Colombia and at times voiced dissatisfaction.
In February, Epoch Times interviewed migrants at four camps in Panama, just after they emerged from the Darién Gap, describing rampant criminal gangs along the way, facing robbery, rape, and murder.
Several migrants interviewed on-site suggested that Panama should allow migrants to enter by plane or open up another route to facilitate their journey to the U.S.
Last week, on average, at least 1,000 migrants arrived at the migrant camps daily.
On July 5, Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT) used concertina wire to block jungle paths, resulting in about a fifty percent decrease in the flow of people.
Epoch Times’ freelance reporter posted a video on social media showing the Darién Gap being cutoff, sparking a flurry of Spanish inquiries and pleas for help.
A social media user claiming to have four children asked when the passage would be closed as he planned to cross by the end of July but currently lacked funds.
Users sought guidance on passing through the Darién Gap or entering Mexico. Some found it incredulous that the northern passage was being cut off, while others raged against the decision.
Among the migrants crossing the Darién Gap last week, at least 700 were Chinese citizens who entered the migrant camp in Canaán Membrillo, located in Panama.
More affluent Chinese migrants arrived at Canaán Membrillo through the Carreto route.
Smuggling organizations use the Carreto route to transport migrants from the sea to Panama and then dock at a pier before trekking a shorter jungle path.
Some migrants interviewed by Epoch Times now embark on their journey to the U.S. out of concerns over President Joe Biden’s upcoming term.
One Chinese migrant said, “He’s leaving, so I came.” Two unnamed Chinese migrants railed against the Chinese Communist Party and its leader on camera, expressing their desire to go to the U.S. for freedom, as China lacks human rights.
Some migrants claimed their families informed them they could vote in the U.S. Many said if given the chance, they would vote for President Biden. One Chinese migrant mentioned he would vote for former President Donald Trump if possible, noting Trump’s tougher stance against the Chinese regime. He believed some Chinese citizens illegally entering the U.S. were spies for the CCP.
At the Bajo Chiquito migrant camp in Panama, an Indian man named Monish expressed worries that if former President Trump were re-elected, he might face deportation.
Monish believed walking into the U.S. was lawful, as friends who had done so informed him that the U.S. Constitution states, “No person is illegal.” He said, “Joe Biden is a very good man; he is very willing to help immigrants.”
The Panamanian government began erecting barbed wire in the dense jungle to cut off routes used by human traffickers.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attended Mulino’s inauguration, signing a memorandum of understanding pledging to assist Panama in covering the flight costs of repatriating illegal immigrants.
Mayorkas stated in a release, “As the U.S. continues to secure its borders and deport immigrants without legitimate reasons for residence, we appreciate our collaboration with Panama in jointly managing the highest level of immigration in the western hemisphere.”
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the agreement aimed to jointly reduce the number of immigrants cruelly smuggled through the Darién Gap to the U.S.
Watson mentioned that repatriating immigrants would help curb irregular immigration in the region and halt the growth of malicious smuggling networks profiting from exploiting vulnerable migrants.
The U.S. agreed to provide equipment, transportation, and logistical support to repatriate migrants who entered Panama illegally back to their countries.
According to reports from Panama, the number of people transiting through the Darién Gap hit a record high in recent years, with over 520,000 individuals in 2023 alone.
At 65, Mulino, who previously served as Minister of Security, promised to sever migrant smuggling routes controlled by criminal organizations.
In his inaugural speech, he said, “I will not allow Panama to be an open corridor for thousands of people to illegally enter our country, supported by an international organization suspected of drug trafficking and human trafficking.”
However, Panama did not receive assistance from neighboring Colombia. Colombia’s Ombudsman’s Office issued a statement warning Panama not to violate migrants’ “right to mobility.”
Colombia cautioned against violating international law, which prohibits countries from returning asylum seekers to places where they may face danger.
NGOs funded by millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars provided food, shelter, medical aid, and maps at the migrant camps in Panama.
An NGO named Human Rights Watch expressed doubts about Panama’s ability to completely seal the Darién Gap and feared this might force migrants to seek even more perilous routes.
Juanita Goebertus, director of the Americas division of Human Rights Watch, said, “For whatever reason, immigrants and asylum seekers crossing the Darién Gap have the right to basic safety and respect for their rights along the way.”
Published in the English version of The Epoch Times.