Panama Uses Barbed Wire to Block US-Bound Migrants in Darien Gap Jungle

In a move to address the issue of migration, the newly inaugurated government of Panama has initiated the installation of barbed wire to block crossings used by migrants heading towards the United States through the perilous Darién Gap jungle trail. President José Raúl Mulino, who assumed office on July 1, had pledged during his campaign to crack down on migrants passing through Panama by shutting down the Darién Gap, a 30-mile-wide and 100-mile-long jungle trail shared with Colombia. The Panama Migration Service reported that nearly 187,000 migrants had crossed the Darién Gap between January and June 20, just before Mulino's administration began. The Senafront National Border Service has started blocking border passages to control irregular migration, aiming to redirect migrants to Bajo Chiquito, a town serving as a key point for those traversing the jungle trail. Videos circulating show migrants circumventing the barriers, with smugglers reassuring them that nothing has changed and urging them to continue their journey. Colombia has criticized Panama's closure of transit routes in the Darién Gap, stating that it infringes on the rights of people in motion. Panama's Minister of Public Security, Frank Abrego, emphasized that the border patrol's actions aim to manage incoming flows and prevent organized crime from entering Panamanian cities. Despite the barriers, reports indicate that migrants are still finding ways to pass through the jungle trail, with smugglers guiding them through alternative routes. The Darién Gap, a challenging terrain of mountains, marshes, and rainforest, serves as the sole land bridge connecting South America and Panama. Over 197,000 individuals have traversed the Darién Gap since the beginning of the year, with a significant number making the journey in June alone. The White House National Security Council clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the fencing initiative, highlighting increased collaboration with Panama to address immigration issues in the region. An agreement between the U.S. and Panama was announced to facilitate the removal and repatriation of migrants unlawfully present in the area, aiming to deter irregular migration and disrupt smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.