Record migrant crossings along Darién jungle are creating an "unsustainable crisis," Colombian ambassador says

Record Surge in Migrant Crossings through Darién Jungle Considered "Unsustainable Crisis," Colombian Ambassador Comments

Written by Camilo Montoya-Galvez and Luis Giraldo

Last Updated: October 6, 2023

Unprecedented Flow of Migrants Creates Crisis

An unparalleled surge of US-bound migrants crossing through Panama's perilous Darién jungle constitutes an "unmanageable crisis," stated the Colombian ambassador to the U.S. The month of September alone witnessed over 75,000 migrants traversing the jungle, according to the records from Panamanian authorities. This toll was just a few thousand short of the 82,000 crossings reported in August. The total count for the year crosses a staggering 400,000.

The unchecked migration flow along the Colombia-Panama border has led to an unprecedented influx of Venezuelan arrivals at the U.S. southern border. In September alone, approximately 50,000 Venezuelan migrants were processed, setting a new record high.

Colombia's Stand on the Crisis

Colombia's ambassador to the U.S., Luis Gilberto Murillo, opined that the irregular migration is indeed a crisis that poses severe safety threats. "That is why Colombia, and the U.S. are collaborating to ensure that potential migrants contemplate the perils before embarking on this hazardous journey," stated Murillo.

However, U.S. officials have expressed concern over what they perceive as Colombia's lenience in taking decisive steps to control the migration inflow into the Darién. At a recent event, top U.S. border official Blas Nuñez Neto referred to the jungle scenario as a "humanitarian catastrophe."

Instead of physically intercepting migrants, Colombia's first leftist president Gustavo Petro proposes remedying the situation in a humanitarian manner. Echoing similar sentiments, Murillo mentioned Colombia's focus on expanding legal migration opportunities, assimilating Venezuelan migrants into Colombian society, and improving local economies in collaboration with the U.S. to dissuade people from choosing to migrate.

Repercussions and Actions

Larger Democratic-led cities in the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and Denver, have grappled with housing the influx of migrants. They have been funneled into over 200 facilities such as hotels, homeless shelters, and tents. In particular, New York Mayor Eric Adams plans to join Murillo on a tour of the Darién Gap. The tour aims to illuminate the struggles his city faces in housing the migrant influx.

Colombia is currently providing refuge to approximately 3 million Venezuelans, the highest number among all countries. Given this increase of Venezuelan arrivals, the U.S. recently announced they would resume direct and regular deportations to Venezuela for migrants who entered the country unlawfully.

Ambassador's Response to Border Crisis

"Colombia is doing its part, but community and economic progression are urgently required to address the root causes of this humanitarian debacle," stated Murillo. His office remains silent on whether Colombia will take any action against the cartels and traffickers who pave the way for the migrants to cross the border with Panama.