A growing number of migrants from South America are turning to a sea route in Panama to escape US policies, which includes strict enforcement of migration rules. Instead of trekking through the Darien Jungle, many are now boarding small boats on Panama’s Caribbean coast to reach Colombia.
The uptick in boat journeys comes as the Trump administration has been cracking down on migrants trying to enter the US. However, these sea trips can be perilous, with some reports indicating that boats have sunk at sea, putting lives at risk.
Last week, an eight-year-old girl from Venezuela died after her boat sank near a community in Panama. Despite warnings and efforts by authorities to suspend journeys, three boats carrying migrants continued on their way, ultimately sinking.
Twenty migrant survivors were rescued after the incident, but concerns remain about the safety of these sea crossings. The indigenous Guna Yala community, where many of these crossings occur, is worried that the surge in migrants could strain its resources.
The Panamanian government has acknowledged the issue and expressed commitment to international cooperation and human rights. However, critics argue that authorities are not doing enough to prevent these dangers.
In a statement, an indigenous spokesperson for Guna Yala called on governments and organizations to suspend the massive arrival of migrants to the territory.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/25/americas/panama-reverse-migration-boats-colombia-intl-latam/index.html