Migration through the Darien Gap, the dense jungle frontier dividing Colombia and Panama, has seen a significant decline this month following the inauguration of Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The country's border police reported that the number of migrants crossing the border has decreased, with 11,363 migrants entering since July 1, about 9,000 fewer than the same period last year.
In an effort to control the migration flow, authorities have installed approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) of barbed wire on five trails to guide migrants towards a designated 'humanitarian corridor.' The reduction in migration numbers has also been attributed to the government's more aggressive stance and plans to deport migrants back to their home countries, along with adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains.
