In the Colombian city of Necoclí, a group of migrants, including Venezuelans, face a difficult situation as they wait their turn to cross the dangerous Darien jungle on their way to the United States. They fear being deported following the tightening of controls by the Panamanian government or being stuck on the Colombian side of the border.
Mountains of suitcases, improvised beds, and stone stoves make up an improvised open-air camp in extreme conditions with temperatures of around 30°C. Migrants face hardship, theft, and inclement weather as they wait for their chance to cross into Panama.
Panama has announced its intention to deport foreigners who enter irregularly through the Darien jungle. Despite the harsh conditions and dangers in the jungle, migrants, mostly Venezuelans, have continued to arrive, fleeing the economic and political crisis in their home country.
The journey through Darien usually lasts five or six days and is full of threats, including snakes, predators, swamps, and drug traffickers. Despite the risks, migrants continue to arrive, determined to seek a better life in the United States.
Panama has urged other South American countries to cooperate more in managing the migratory flow, especially from Colombia. The Panamanian government has announced plans to increase deportations and expulsions of migrants who enter irregularly.
The increase in the migratory flow through the Darien has challenged Panama’s capabilities and led to the search for solutions to control the growing number of people passing through this dangerous region in their search for a better future.