Darién Gap Quietened by Policy, Not Walls
How U.S. and Panama policies reduced migration through the Darién Gap, with no walls involved.
2 min read
The Darién Gap, a dense jungle between Panama and Colombia, has become eerily quiet after a sharp decline in irregular crossings. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), only 135 people crossed the region in the first four months of 2024, a 95% drop from the same period in 2023. This decline highlights how policy, not physical barriers, has reshaped migration patterns in the region.
The Cartel Toll
Before the drop, the Darién was not just a natural barrier but a dangerous route controlled by the Clan del Golfo, a drug cartel that charged migrants for passage. Colombia’s Defense Ministry estimated that the cartel collected around $125 per person, totaling over $57 million in the first 10 months of 2023. The IOM reported at least 245 people missing in the region between 2021 and early 2024, with Doctors Without Borders treating 676 survivors of sexual violence in 2023 alone.
Asylum Isn’t the Only Path
Many migrants have found ways to reach the U.S. through South America, with countries like Colombia and Mexico hosting large numbers of asylum seekers. Colombia alone hosts more than 1.9 million Venezuelans, while Mexico processed over 70,500 asylum applications in 2023. Despite this, the U.S. remains a major destination, with thousands of asylum cases still pending in immigration courts, now exceeding 3 million in backlog.
Policy Shifts and Cooperation
Panama’s role in reducing crossings was pivotal. Its “controlled flow” program, which aimed to move migrants through the country quickly, was reformed under President José Raúl Mulino. After signing a migration agreement with the U.S., the country closed reception camps and launched deportation flights, leading to a 98% drop in crossings. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, and Senator Marco Rubio played key roles in this collaboration, emphasizing a hemispheric approach to border security.
The Cost of Inaction
When federal enforcement is lacking, cities like New York bear the brunt of the costs. Mayor Adams estimated the cost of uncontrolled immigration to reach $12 billion over three years. The city’s comptroller found that no-bid contracts for asylum-related services were charging far more than competitive bids, highlighting the financial burden of lax enforcement.
What Works
The Darién’s quieting demonstrates that effective policy and international cooperation can significantly reduce irregular migration. Congress is urged to implement first-country-of-arrival agreements and fund enough judges to process asylum cases more efficiently. The lesson is clear: policy, not walls, can be the most effective tool in managing migration.
Source: Daily Wire
