Panama Initiates Operation Against Smuggling Activities in the Darien Gap

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Panama has launched a new initiative to curb unlawful migration through the perilous Darien Gap, which marks its eastern border with Colombia. Over the past few years, a large number of migrants have embarked on the hazardous journey through the jungle, with this year setting an unprecedented record. The majority of these migrants aim to reach the United States.

In anticipation of the U.S. government lifting pandemic-related restrictions that previously enabled authorities to reject asylum seekers at the border, Panama, alongside Colombia and the U.S., announced amplified efforts in the largely unregulated Darien Gap. The “Shield” campaign, publicized by Panama on Friday, is the initial display of these augmented efforts.

The Darien Gap, a dense, roadless jungle with mountains and fast-moving rivers, is notorious for its dangers. Migrants regularly report instances of robbery, sexual assault, and encounters with bodies of fellow travelers who did not survive the journey. Recently, a confrontation between suspected bandits and border police in Darien resulted in three deaths. The crossing from Colombia can take anywhere from a few days to over a week.

Last year, almost 250,000 individuals crossed the Darien Gap, a significant increase from the 133,000 who crossed in 2021. This spike was largely due to Venezuelans, who represented approximately 60% of migrants crossing last year. In April, the United Nations issued a warning about the unprecedented number of crossings at the beginning of the year, suggesting that up to 400,000 migrants could cross this year. Government data shows that nearly 170,000 migrants have already crossed the Darien in the first four months of this year, five times more than the same period last year.

The Panama “Shield” campaign, announced on Friday, aims to dedicate about 1,200 immigration agents, border police, and naval air service members to an air, land, and sea operation targeting organized criminal groups involved in smuggling migrants, drugs, and firearms through the Darien jungle. The initiative includes additional aerial patrols with U.S.-donated helicopters and specialized border police units to dismantle gangs operating along the shared border with Colombia.

However, this mission presents a formidable challenge. The migration route through the Darien has become entrenched, with locals, particularly on the Colombian side, selling services and resources for the journey. Some of Colombia’s armed groups, mainly the Gulf Clan, have been implicated in smuggling migrants and running sophisticated operations. Panamanian authorities have identified three primary smuggling sea routes and two land routes between Colombia and Panama, where they will concentrate resources, but acknowledge that criminal groups will likely open new routes.

The report was provided by Sherman from Mexico City.

FAQ about Panama’s Shield campaign against smuggling in Darien Gap