Panama City, Panama – New Panamanian President, José Raúl Mulino, has made a bold commitment to close off the perilous Darién Gap, a notorious route used by thousands of migrants annually in their journey towards the United States. Mulino’s stance aims to tackle the significant challenges posed by illegal immigration, which he views as a costly humanitarian and environmental crisis.

In an unprecedented move, the United States has agreed to cover the expenses associated with repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally, as part of a bilateral agreement with the new administration. This agreement, symbolized by a memorandum signed between the US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Panama’s foreign minister, signifies a joint effort to put a stop to the flow of illegal immigrants through the Darién Gap.

With a record-breaking 520,000 migrants taking the risky journey through the dense jungle of the Darién Gap last year alone, Mulino emphasized the necessity of addressing the economic and social burdens associated with illegal immigration. The new partnership with the US government signals a pivotal moment in Panama’s efforts to curb illegal migration and disrupt the activities of international criminal organizations facilitating this perilous journey.

Under the terms of the agreement, US homeland security teams will provide training and support to Panamanian authorities to enforce immigration laws effectively. This collaboration aims to identify and repatriate migrants back to their home countries, with the US bearing the cost of charter flights or commercial tickets for their return.

The Darién Gap, often described as a superhighway for migrants from the southern hemisphere and beyond, has seen an influx of over 190,000 individuals crossing it in 2024, with many hailing from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. Amidst a backdrop of heightened attention on immigration and border security, the Biden administration faces ongoing scrutiny over its management of migration challenges, amidst mounting pressure to secure the nation’s borders.

As the US witnesses a decline in undocumented crossings at the southern border, marked by a three-year low, President Biden faces increasing pressure to address border control and migration policies. The recent executive order limiting immigration has stirred controversy, highlighting the complexities of managing immigration flows and enhancing border security in a volatile political climate.

In a bid to deter irregular migration and disrupt smuggling networks, the agreement between Panama and the US sets a precedent for collaborative efforts to tackle the root causes of illegal immigration. The alliance signifies a step towards strengthening border controls and safeguarding national security interests, amidst escalating concerns over the humanitarian implications of mass migration through perilous routes like the Darién Gap.