Reduced migrant passages through the unstable Darien Gap drastically, reaching minimal figures, in tandem with Trump's immigration enforcement measures
In a significant turn of events, the number of migrants attempting to cross the Darien Gap, a notorious corridor for U.S.-bound migrants, has plummeted. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, only 10 migrants crossed in June, a stark contrast to the over 82,000 migrants who surged through the gap in a single month under the previous administration in August 2023.
This decline follows months of coordinated enforcement measures between Panama and the U.S. President Trump and Secretary Noem have made it clear that those who come to the U.S. illegally will be arrested and deported. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino closed migrant transit centers in the Darien region and increased border patrols, effectively sealing off the passage.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Trump implemented strict immigration enforcement, including mass deportations and policies aimed at deterring illegal crossings. This crackdown caused migrants to abandon the journey early, even before reaching the Darien Gap. Many migrants, especially those who had been waiting for appointments with U.S. authorities in Mexico, chose to turn back south rather than risk the journey north in light of new U.S. policies.
Migrants are reportedly not willing to make the dangerous journey to the U.S. due to the knowledge that they will be turned away. The CBP Home App, which provides cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus for illegal aliens who use it to self-deport, is one of the initiatives aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants currently residing in the U.S. to voluntarily depart.
The real reason for fewer migrants attempting to illegally enter the United States, according to the White House, is the security of the border under President Trump. The U.S. Border Patrol has not released a single illegal migrant into the country in recent months. Central America is stepping up to house deported migrants after Trump made it clear that the U.S. will not be a "doormat."
This joint effort between the U.S. and Panama contrasts sharply with the 2023 surge during the Biden administration, highlighting how policy shifts and regional cooperation can influence migration flows through the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap, once a bustling corridor for migrants, is now virtually deserted, a testament to the success of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
- The decline in the number of migrants attempting to cross the Darien Gap can be attributed to the hardline approach towards immigration under President Trump's administration, as documented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- The general news regarding migration through the Darien Gap shows a significant contrast between the current administration under President Trump and the previous one, with the latter witnessing a surge in migrants due to less stringent immigration policies.
