Panama Will Offer a Return Route for Migrants Coming Back From The U.S. Due to Trump's Border Crackdown

Panama is working to formalize a return route for migrants who have abandoned their efforts to enter the United States, as stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration have led to an increase in reverse migration.

Many of these migrants, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, are opting for maritime routes rather than risk another crossing through theDarien Gap, the treacherous jungle path connecting Colombia and Panama and used by many on their way up north.

Smuggling networks have facilitated northbound migration through Panama, often offering a "VIP route" via boat to those able to pay for passage instead of trekking through the jungle. Recently, however, this route has increasingly been used in the opposite direction. Migrants typically pay for passage to Capurganá, a Colombian coastal town, avoiding the Darien Gap, which remains a perilous crossing either way.

Panamanian Security Minister Frank Abrego stated that these operations have been conducted with the "full knowledge of regional authorities" but remain informal agreements between boat operators and migrants, as reported by The Associated Press. Abrego did insist that the boat arrangements were "irregular" deals struck with boat captains and said authorities were monitoring the boats to prevent human trafficking, unlawful detention of migrants and other types of criminal action.

The return migration trend has been further highlighted by a tragedy last Friday, when a boat carrying 21 migrants capsized in rough waters off the coast of Panama, resulting in the death of an 8-year-old Venezuelan child. The boat, mostly full of Venezuelans and Colombians, included two Indigenous Panamanians in charge of maneuvering the vessel headed toward Colombia.

One of the primary gathering points for these returning migrants is the Caribbean island of Gardi Sugdub. Once known for housing Panama's first officially recognized climate refugees, the island now serves as a temporary shelter for those awaiting southbound transport as migrants pay approximately $10 per day for lodging. Conditions on the island have, however, become extremely difficult, with limited access to potable water and electricity.