The United States will cover the cost of repatriating migrants entering Panama through the dangerous Darien Gap as part of addressing a “costly humanitarian and environmental crisis,” as José Raúl Mulino characterized it in his first speech as president of the Central American country.
In the same speech, Mulino announced the closure of the border passage with Colombia and declared intentions to seek international aid. Shortly afterward, Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, signed the agreement with the USA.
According to the agreement, US Homeland Security services in Panama will train specialized personnel who will determine which migrants will be removed from the country based on Panama’s immigration laws.
The Darien Gap is the only land route connecting Central and South America and consists of 96 km of dense tropical forest, mountains, and swamps.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson said that the agreement is designed to reduce the number of migrants “smuggled through Darien, usually en route to the United States.”
The USA will pay for charter flights or airfare to return those removed from Panama to their countries of origin.
It is estimated that in 2023, 520,000 people crossed the Darien Gap heading for the United States, and so far in 2024, the number exceeds 190,000. Most come from countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China.
