What Has Changed in the Darien Gap Under Trump’s Presidency?

Human migration through the Darien Gap, which connects Panama and Colombia, has significantly decreased since last year. This report highlights the reasons for the drop in migration numbers and discusses the implications for border security.

• Dramatic Decline in Migration: Migration through the Darien Gap has fallen by over 90% compared to the previous year, as noted by Todd Bensman from the Center for Immigration Studies. A senior Panamanian official attributed this decline to "Trump. "

• Policy Changes: The reduction is linked to stricter U. S. border policies under the Trump administration, which replaced "catch-and-release" policies with full detention and expedited expulsions of migrants.

• Previous Trends: Leading up to Trump’s presidency, there was a reduction in migration due to Mexico enforcing stricter immigration laws and some Venezuelans remaining home to vote in elections.

• Challenges in the Darien Gap: The gap is a treacherous 60-mile stretch of rainforest with no roads, making it dangerous for migrants due to potential illness, hunger, and injuries. Human Rights Watch reported finding 124 bodies in the gap between early 2021 and spring 2023.

• Increase during Biden’s Administration: There had been a surge in crossings during the Biden administration, with approximately 1. 5 million migrants passing through the gap from 2021 to mid-2024. About 45% of these migrants reached the U. S. border.

• Current Migrant Demographics: According to Bensman, Venezuelan and Haitian nationals are the most frequent travelers through the Darien Gap, but the U. S. struggles to vet individuals from these nations due to a lack of access to their criminal records.

• Panama's Role: The Panamanian President has committed to reducing immigration through the gap, and the Biden administration has allocated around $6 million to support these efforts. However, this funding is minimal compared to what’s needed for effective border control.

• Future Predictions and Recommendations: If Trump remains in office and maintains current border policies, Bensman predicts low crossing numbers will continue. He emphasizes that future U. S. investment is needed to help Panama manage immigration effectively.

Maintaining low immigration through the Darien Gap is closely tied to U. S. border policies. If the U. S. border remains open, controlling illegal immigration from neighboring countries will be challenging. Continued support for Panama's efforts is crucial for sustaining this trend. 

https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/02/23/darien-gap-migration-slows-from-torrent-trickle-under-trump/