Migration crisis in the Darién: between hope and danger in the inhospitable jungle.

In an inhospitable corner of the Darién jungle, where nature reveals itself in all its splendor and danger, there is an improvised shelter for immigrants. Here, a restaurant offers a surprising mix of fried fish, pork chops, and 5G internet, attracting travelers trying to cross into Panama. However, just half an hour's walk away, the reality turns grim: a razor-wire fence blocks their path, and an agent from Senafront, Panama's border force, warns that the route is closed. This contrast highlights the complexity and chaos that prevail in the Darién Gap, a region that has become a dangerous passage for thousands of migrants seeking a better future. In recent years, the number of people daring to cross this inhospitable stretch of jungle has increased exponentially. The U.S. government, led by President Joe Biden, had established an agreement with Panama to address this migration crisis. The new Panamanian president, José Raúl Mulino, had promised to close the border and stem the flow of immigrants. However, in an unexpected turn, Mulino seems to have backtracked on his promises, leaving both countries in an unstable and chaotic situation. Historically, the Darién Gap has been considered too dangerous for crossing, but growing violence, tyranny, and economic crises in Latin America have pushed an increasing number of people to take the risk. From fewer than 10,000 crossings in 2014, it is estimated that over 500,000 migrants crossed last year, a number that could rise again following the recent presidential elections in Venezuela, where the autocrat Nicolás Maduro remains in power. The agreement signed between Panama and the United States stipulated that those migrants without the right to remain in Panama would be sent back to their countries using flights paid for by the U.S. government. However, logistical complications have been piling up. Most Venezuelan migrants lack valid passports, raising doubts about the feasibility of mass deportations. With 93% of migrants lacking proper documentation, the outlook becomes even bleaker. Despite initial expectations, Mulino has begun to change his stance, suggesting that deportation flights would be voluntary. In a context where returning to Venezuela equates to facing a humanitarian crisis, it is unlikely that most migrants would choose to go back. Meanwhile, violence in other countries of origin, such as Haiti and Ecuador, continues to fuel the northward migration flow. In light of this reality, the approach of the Panamanian government has begun to transform. There is now talk of establishing a "humanitarian corridor" to manage the flow of migrants more orderly. However, implementing this idea faces numerous challenges, including overcrowding and the lack of sufficient resources to accommodate the growing migrant population. Tensions between the governments of Panama and the United States have also intensified. While Biden thanks Mulino for his cooperation in managing migration, on the ground, discrepancies about how to handle this crisis are becoming evident. With growing concern for security at the border, Panamanian voters are more focused on the threats they perceive from criminal gangs operating in the region. Moreover, organized crime has taken advantage of this situation, with gangs like the Clan del Golfo controlling migrant trafficking and reaping huge economic benefits in the process. This dynamic further complicates the governments' struggle to manage migration and ensure security at the border. Meanwhile, the stories of the migrants remain heartbreaking. Many families, deceived by traffickers who promise a safe and quick journey, find themselves trapped in a journey filled with suffering and hopelessness. The crossing through the Darién becomes a deadly odyssey, where many face death and assault by criminals. At a time when immigration policy becomes a key piece on the agendas of both countries, the suffering of these migrants is often forgotten. The lack of consensus between Panama and the United States, along with the realities on the ground, portends an uncertain future for those seeking a new beginning, while the Darién jungle continues to symbolize broken dreams and the struggle for survival.