The Darién region along Panama’s southern border with Colombia has seen ongoing losses among irregular migrants, with authorities reporting multiple drownings in the swollen rivers of the dense forest in recent weeks. Samira Gozaine, head of the Panama Immigration office, affirmed that authorities have recovered more than ten bodies from river crossings as migrants push through the perilous forest route in hopes of reaching North America.
Officials say the forest corridor continues to be a dangerous natural border. Migrants traveling irregularly are urged to reconsider the risks of crossing the Darién—where swift currents, swollen waterways, and challenging terrain amplify the danger. The losses observed by the International Organization for Migration through its Lost Migrants Project highlight a pattern of river-related incidents, snake and spider bites, and injuries that create fatal gaps in visibility and rescue opportunities as people move through this area.
Gozaine noted that the Darién rivers have become particularly swollen, a condition she attributes to a decrease in the flow of irregular travelers after some groups passed through the jungle from Colombia. She also referenced official figures indicating a reduction in jungle crossings compared to earlier weeks, while stressing that migration flows persist. Officials indicated that around 170,000 people have entered Panama so far this year, a level that underscores the sustained pressure on the country’s immigration system as efforts to manage irregular movement continue.
During the first months of the year, the Darién route remained a focal point for migrant movement. While volumes fluctuated, the overall trend showed significant numbers of people attempting the crossing, even as authorities and humanitarian organizations monitor the risks inherent to the jungle and river crossings. The broader migration situation in the Americas has drawn attention to how policy shifts and regional conditions influence migrant flows, with Panama adapting its response to the evolving scenario as a key transit country.
The Darién corridor has long been identified as one of the most dangerous routes for irregular migration. Beyond the immediate dangers of the environment, travelers face the unknowns of jungle terrain, remote river crossings, and limited access to rescue resources. The ongoing crisis in the region has prompted international concern and responses from multiple agencies focused on protection, assistance, and safe alternatives for people seeking a better future. Observers note that the complex dynamics of migration in this area reflect broader political and humanitarian challenges across the hemisphere.