The treacherous Darien Gap, a rugged and unforgiving stretch of land connecting Panama and Colombia, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in migrant crossings, with official data revealing that over 400,000 individuals have made the perilous journey in the year leading up to September. This record-breaking influx of migrants underscores the escalating migration crisis towards the United States, despite concerted efforts to stem the flow.
Panama's security ministry, in a recent statement, disclosed that more than half of these migrants were children and infants, painting a grim picture of vulnerable individuals exposed to the unforgiving terrain. The statistics for September alone reveal a 20% increase in the number of crossings compared to the previous month.
The year-to-date total of 402,300 migrants now stands at almost double the figure recorded for the entirety of 2022. The United Nations had previously estimated in April that the annual migrant count would reach 400,000, an expectation that has now been surpassed.
The majority of those undertaking the arduous journey through the perilous jungle are Venezuelans, with migrants also hailing from countries like Ecuador, Haiti, and others, as indicated by Panama's security ministry.
In an attempt to curb this escalating crisis, Panama recently announced a series of measures. These measures include the deportation of individuals with criminal records and a reduction in the number of days that some tourists are allowed to stay in the country. These efforts follow a two-month collaborative program launched in April by the United States, Panama, and Colombia, aimed at addressing undocumented immigration.
Costa Rica, another key transit country for migrants, declared a state of emergency earlier this week. President Rodrigo Chaves has expressed his intent to visit the Darien Gap in early October, demonstrating the urgency of the situation and the need to contain the migrant crisis.
In response to the mounting challenges posed by the influx of migrants, the United States implemented stricter policies in May to deter illegal crossings. These measures included deportations and a five-year ban on re-entry for migrants. Initially, these measures resulted in a 70% reduction in border crossings. However, recent data suggests that the early deterrent effect may be waning, with a surge in migrants arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico.
Some African and Cuban migrants and asylum seekers en route to the United States have reportedly chosen to fly into Nicaragua as an alternative route to bypass the perils of the Darien Gap. This further underscores the determination of individuals seeking better opportunities and safety, even in the face of immense challenges.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)