Lajas Blancas, likely the most famous current migrant camp on this very southern portion of the Pan-American Highway, will close up in the coming weeks. In reaction to these dangerous conditions, humanitarian aid agencies are beginning to pull out from the region. This transition is a major departure from how the region will manage migration going forward. Recent measures, including a new route for migrants and tighter border controls, have drastically reduced crossings through the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle passage between Colombia and Panama. In February, these crossings were low by an almost unbelievable 96% year to year.
To better control the pervading migrant influx, the Panamanian administration has implemented a new route. Today, migrants face longer journeys as they are transferred from Lajas Blancas to Miramar, a port on the Caribbean Sea. From there, they are transported by boat to La Miel, a remote community close to the Colombian border. This revision is consistent with a $6 million settlement with the federal government. As a consequence, thousands of Colombian and Ecuadorian migrants have been forcibly returned to their countries of origin on deportation flights.
Once a bustling hub for migrants seeking refuge or passage, Lajas Blancas regularly sheltered over 3,000 individuals within its plywood buildings and tents. By the end of February, the camp’s population shriveled to a mere 485 migrants. An astonishing 90% of them originated from northern states. Together, the shutdown of CBP One and increased Panamanian security measures have put out the light on what was until recently a bustling Darién migrant thoroughfare.
Panama is addressing this new frontier and evolving dynamics by rolling out more sophisticated biometric tests at its borders. To stop crossings, they are laying barbed wire through the jungle. Success of these measures demonstrates Panama’s goodwill to continue holding the line of control over their borders and destiny of migration.
The presidents of Panama and Colombia are scheduled to meet in Panama City on March 28. We’re looking to elevate these issues as they take over their respective committees this term. Panama’s Ministry of Public Security has already warned. Any migrants entering through the Darién Gap will be subject to immediate deportation to their home countries or sent back to Colombia.
Panama still is dealing with the logistics nightmare that is the reverse flow of migrants. So far this year, 4,091 migrants have transited back to Panama. Now the government is struggling to house and process these people.
As one migrant recounted being tricked on repatriation flights from Panama.
"They told us we would be able to get a repatriation flight from Panama," he stated.
Jessica Álvarez recounted her harrowing journey across tumultuous waters.
"There were times when I thought we were going to turn over; it was really scary. I vomited and my son was really sick; everyone was so seasick."
Oscar Ramírez expressed the shared aspirations among many migrants.
"Us migrants, we all had the same thing in our heads: the American dream."
However, his experiences have led him to reassess this vision.
"But after the things we lived, I realized it’s just that: a dream."
Adriangela Contreras shared her story on how she missed her family and how she wanted to come back to create a better life for herself.
"I just want to be back with my family. I hope Venezuela has something better in store for me."