Panama’s president-elect, Jose Raul Mulino, has announced that the country will deport US-bound migrants who enter through the dangerous Darien Gap jungle. Mulino emphasized the need to end the perils of the Darien Gap and ensure compliance with human rights for all individuals in the region.
The 165-mile Darien Gap, bordering Colombia, is a treacherous route used by migrants from South America to reach North America. Facing challenges such as dense jungle, dangerous terrain, wild animals, and criminal gangs, many travelers endure extreme hardships during their journey.
In 2023, a record-breaking 520,000 migrants, predominantly Venezuelans, traveled through the Darien Gap, with 120,000 being children. Despite the risks, the Panamanian government has established facilities to assist migrants passing through the area. However, Mulino has vowed to close the route and deport those who enter Panama through the perilous jungle.