We’ve discussed the Darien Gap, that 60-odd-mile stretch of jungle from Colombia to Panama, often on this blog. In recent years, it has become a major conduit for illegal migrants from at least 170 countries, virtually all en route to the United States. Last year alone saw more than 550,000 trek through, so many that only 3 percent could be screened for terrorism or espionage, whereas — before 2021 — 90 percent were being vetted. The danger has become so great that the government of Panama, with expected financial help from Washington, has become to take steps to limit the numbers.
Todd Bensman spoke with Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies this week, reporting on his recent visit to the Gap. Bensman says Panama’s newly elected president, Jose Raul Mulino Quintero, who took office July 1, has moved rapidly to “set up roadblocks, erect barbed wire, target smuggling networks” and take other steps to stem the flood.
Unfortunately, says Bensman, the United States “has been slow to provide the diplomatic and financial support” it promised Panama. For those aware of the Biden-Harris administration’s reluctance to protect our borders, this should come as no surprise.
For more, see CIS.org.