Expedited Passage Through the Once Formidable Darien Jungle Leaves Governments Scrambling for Solutions

Torrential rivers momentarily hindered the ceaseless influx of migrants through the jungle-shrouded frontier separating Colombia from Panama. By midweek, an additional 2,000 fatigued migrants emerged from the Darien wilderness.

Men hoisting children on their shoulders and expectant mothers trudged through the Tuquesa River, waist-deep, to reach the Indigenous settlement of Bajo Chiquito. Upon arrival, some collapsed from exhaustion while Panamanian authorities stood by to document their entry.

Previously considered impassable, the Darien jungle has now turned into a challenging but navigable passage, taking some migrants as few as 2.5 days to cross, aided by marked trails and paid guides. This operation is reportedly part of a multimillion-dollar business.

The surge in efficiency, coupled with the ongoing economic forces compelling migrants, particularly from Venezuela, has led to over 400,000 individuals traversing the Darien this year alone. A staggering projection of 500,000 crossings—double the previous year’s record—is within sight.

This development has influenced the United States’ decision to reinstate deportation flights to Venezuela as a part of what U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calls “strict consequences” for unauthorized entry. Meanwhile, the leaders of Panama and Costa Rica are slated to evaluate the escalating situation in the Darien, which has burdened their respective administrations.

Kimberly Morales, a 34-year-old Venezuelan, described the harrowing 2.5-day journey she undertook with her family, encountering fatalities along the way. Although the Colombian segment of the route is increasingly organized, the passage through Panama remains fraught with risk.

After reaching Panama, migrants often board boats to Lajas Blancas for a fee, then take buses to Costa Rica to continue north. “Our primary aspiration is to secure a stable life, employment, and the ability to provide for our children,” Morales stated.

Despite previous efforts by the U.S., Panama, and Colombia to regulate migration through the Darien, numbers have only escalated, prompting the Biden administration to explore alternative strategies. Last month, the U.S. offered Temporary Protected Status to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans, in addition to the 242,700 who were already eligible.

Yet, those arriving post-July 31 will not qualify for these protections and will be repatriated to Venezuela. Venezuela’s sustained political and economic crises have led to a significant diaspora, with the majority settling in neighboring Latin American countries but an increasing number seeking refuge in the U.S.

Migrants like Gabriela Quijada, who faced perilous conditions and food shortages, reveal the inadequacy of planning and misinformation from guides. Likewise, Carliomar Peña, who aims to join her asylum-seeking husband in the U.S., epitomizes the difficult decisions many face when opting for this perilous journey.

As migrants navigate these life-threatening terrains, the unregulated pathways in Panama continue to present grave risks. “This is a life meant for animals, not human beings,” Peña remarked, encapsulating the dire circumstances faced by many in their quest for a better life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Darien Jungle Migration

More about Darien Jungle Migration

• Migration Crisis in Latin America
• U.S. Immigration Policy on Venezuela
• Darien Gap: A Dangerous Journey
• Human Trafficking in Latin America
• Economic Crisis in Venezuela
• Panama and Costa Rica Immigration Policies
• Temporary Protected Status Explained
• Colombia’s Migration Challenge
• Venezuelan Diaspora