Migrants crossing through the Darien Gap drop sharply as Panama expands crackdown

The amount of people crossing through the Darien Gap, the treacherous jungle path connecting Colombia and Panama used by migrants on the way up north, has dropped significantly compared to 2023, figures showed.

According to Panamanian authorities, some 230,000 people were recorded by late August. The figure compares to the more than half million who crossed last year, meaning that if the pace continues at the monthly average (about 30,000), the final number for the year would be close to 350,000.

But the figure could be lower, as the Panamanian government has began deporting migrants attempting to make the cross. Last week, authorities announced the expansion of U.S.-funded flights with this purpose.

Concretely, the José Raúl Mulino administration indicated that it will carry out flights for nationals from Ecuador, India and China. It had already conducted one for Colombians earlier last week.

Mulino did not specify the legal status of the migrants or if they have criminal records, like the Colombians did. The flight for Ecuadorians will take place on August 29, while the India one will happen on September 3. There were no precise dates for flights to China.

Washington has pledged $6 million in funding for migrant repatriations from the Central American nation in the hope of reducing irregular crossings at its own southern border. The agreement also includes U.S. support for Panama with equipment, transportation, and logistics for foreigners detected within migratory flows that violate Panamanian immigration laws.

Mulino has heavily focused on cracking down on migration through the Darien since taking office on July 1. Last year, over half a million people crossed the gap, more than half of them Venezuelans.

The proportion of Venezuelans has increased even more this year, rising to 66.3% or over 153,000 people, authorities said. Colombians and Ecuadorians represent about 6% each, followed by Chinese and Haitian people with 5.2% and 4.8%, respectively.

"Throughout the year 133 unaccompanied minors reached Panama, and 42 people have died," authorities added.

Other countries have announced measures to reduce unlawful migration throughout the region: Brazil has announced restrictions on the entry of some nationals into the country. The move will impact those from Asian countries requiring visas to remain in the country. Nationals from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam represent the bulk of those who request refuge on arrival.

Ecuador, on its end, announced the suspension of a visa waiver agreement with China, a decision following a surge of arrivals that authorities say then go on to migrate irregularly.