Trump's Policies Halt Migration: 99% Drop in Darién Crossings

The perilous migration route through the Darién Gap, linking Colombia and Panama, has seen an unprecedented decline in March 2025, largely due to policies enforced by Donald Trump in the United States. According to figures from Panama's National Migration Service, only 194 migrants crossed the Darién jungle in March. This marks a staggering 99% decrease compared to the same month last year, when nearly 37,000 people attempted the treacherous journey.

Monthly Decline in Migration Numbers

The downward trend began at the start of 2025. In January, 2,229 migrants made the crossing, but by February, the number plummeted to 408, indicating a 96% drop. The decline further solidified in March, with the lowest numbers since the COVID-19 border closures in 2020. Those who managed to cross in March were primarily from Venezuela, Colombia, and Nepal, though individuals from Ecuador and Iran were reported in previous months.

Panama's Efforts to Shut Down the Route

Since taking office in May 2024, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has been determined to close the Darién route to curb the irregular migration impacting his country. Panama has ramped up border surveillance and strengthened cooperation with the United States to manage regional migration. The Mulino administration also noted shifts in migration patterns, warning of increasing numbers from the north, particularly from Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a trend that concerns Panamanian authorities.

Trump's Strict Immigration Measures

The sharp decline in migrant numbers coincides with President Donald Trump's reinstatement of stringent immigration policies after resuming office in January. These include mass deportations, termination of illegal immigrant programs, detentions, and a renewed push to extend the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported only 7,180 illegal border crossings in March, a record low compared to the monthly average of 155,000 over the past four years. Arrests of illegal immigrants also dropped to 230 per day, down from 5,100 daily during Joe Biden's tenure.

Rubio's Visit to Panama

In early February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Panama, emphasizing that the U.S. border begins far before Texas or Mexico and stressing the importance of curbing migration at its source. During his visit, Panama announced it would not renew its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative, a move Rubio praised as cooperation with the U.S.

Trump's measures have also impacted Mexico, where many migrants, particularly Cubans, now choose to stay, avoiding the threat of deportation or detention at the U.S. border. Shelters set up for deported migrants remain empty, reflecting the sharp drop in forced returns. With the U.S. southern border nearly sealed and the Darién Gap heavily monitored, thousands of migrants find themselves stranded in Central America, contemplating new routes or seeking asylum or temporary settlement in countries like Mexico or Costa Rica.

The impact of these policies has dramatically altered the continent's migration dynamics. Although the numbers have decreased, the humanitarian crisis endures, with countless individuals unable to move forward, retreat, or safely settle to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families.