Panama's President-Elect Seeks Deal with US on Deporting Migrants Crossing the Darien Gap

In a bid to address the escalating migrant crisis at the perilous Darien Gap, Panama's President-elect José Raúl Mulino has expressed his intention to negotiate an agreement with the United States regarding the deportation of migrants who traverse this treacherous route along the Panama-Colombia border. Mulino, set to assume office on Monday, has vowed to tackle the daily influx of migrants through the Darien Gap, which he deems as an unnecessary ordeal. Last year, over half a million individuals journeyed through this corridor, with an estimated 186,000 crossings recorded in 2024, predominantly comprising migrants from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. The Darien Gap has gained notoriety as the world's busiest migration route, attracting individuals seeking to reach the U.S. border despite visa restrictions imposed by countries under U.S. pressure. Mulino's visit to the region, accompanied by his future Cabinet members, shed light on the dire conditions faced by migrants, including pregnant women and children, at temporary reception centers like Lajas Blancas. The President-elect's resolve to address the dangers and hardships faced by migrants was echoed by individuals like Pedro Monte, a Venezuelan migrant who tragically lost his wife during the journey, emphasizing the urgent need for safer migration pathways. The journey through the Darien Gap has been marred by reports of abuses, human rights violations, and fatalities, prompting Mulino to advocate for a more secure and regulated migration process. The harrowing experiences shared by migrants like Jorbys Ocampo, who highlighted the lack of viable alternatives to the perilous journey, underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive solutions to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding at the Darien Gap. As Mulino prepares to assume leadership, his proposed collaboration with the U.S. on migrant deportations signals a potential shift in addressing the challenges posed by this critical migration route.