Panama's New Migration Measures and the US Partnership
The Joe Biden administration continues its efforts to address the immigration crisis at the southern border, a significant issue as the presidential elections approach in November. In addition to recent asylum restrictions and increased collaboration with Mexico, the US has signed an agreement with Panama's newly elected president, José Raúl Mulino, to curb migratory flows through the Darién jungle. This agreement is part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, aiming to manage borders humanely across the American continent.
On July 1, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha and US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas signed the agreement, launching a new foreign assistance program financed by the US Department of State. The program aims to support migrant repatriation operations from Panama and strengthen safe and humane repatriation practices. Mayorkas emphasized the need for a regional response to the migration challenge, expressing gratitude for Panama's partnership.
Challenges and Criticism of the New Agreement
Despite the agreement's intentions, there is skepticism about its feasibility. Maureen Meyer from the American human rights organization WOLA and Diego Cháves from the Migration Policy Institute both expressed doubts about the practical implementation of the repatriation strategy. They highlighted the logistical, social, and political challenges, including Panama's limited infrastructure and the willingness of migrants' countries of origin to accept them back. Meyer pointed out that deterrence policies historically do not have a lasting impact on migratory flows.
Barbed Wire Barriers and Migrant Responses
In a controversial move, Panama has installed barbed wire barriers along the Darien Gap to manage migratory flows and prevent organized crime. The Ministry of Public Security announced that patrols have begun blocking most border crossings, with one crossing remaining open for migrants with identification documents. However, videos circulating on WhatsApp show migrants finding ways to bypass the barriers, with smugglers assuring that popular routes remain open. The White House National Security Council clarified that the US did not support the erection of these barriers, despite the increased cooperation with Panama.
The Darién Gap, a 30-mile wide and 100-mile long stretch of mountains, wetlands, and rainforest, remains a critical land bridge between South America and Panama. An estimated half a million migrants crossed this treacherous route in 2023, with many facing dangers such as kidnappings, robberies, and attacks by wild animals. The Biden administration and Mulino's government hope that the new measures will deter irregular migration and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
