Migrant crossings through Darien Gap drop 42% in 2024

Over 300,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap from Colombia into Panama in 2024, marking a 42% drop from the record 520,085 crossings recorded the previous year, according to Panama’s National Migration Service.

Venezuelans accounted for 69% of the total crossings, driven largely by the ongoing economic crisis in their home country. The Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle route, remains a key passage for migrants traveling north toward the United States.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, who took office in July 2024, has implemented stricter measures to curb illegal migration. These include barbed-wire fencing along parts of the Darien, fines for unauthorized crossings, and U.S.-funded deportation flights. So far, 1,548 migrants have been deported under this initiative.

Despite these measures, 209,000 Venezuelans were allowed to continue their journey due to a suspension of direct flights between Panama and Venezuela following Venezuela’s contested elections. Analysts warn that Panama’s tougher stance does not address the root causes of migration and could make the crossing even more perilous.

Mulino stated his government is committed to ensuring illegal migration does not spread to other parts of Panama, but experts question the long-term effectiveness of these policies.