Panamanian Government Begins Construction on Darien Fence

In an effort to support the migration crisis, the Ministry of Security has begun to build fences along the Colombian-Panamanian border, where irregular migrants move.  Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego revealed that the construction of this fence will be in stages and “little by little.”  He also indicated that this process will be carried out in constant coordination with the authorities of the Republic of Colombia. 

The minister highlighted that coordination with the South American country began on July 1 at a meeting, attended by President Gustavo Petro, his foreign minister Luis Murillo and José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama and his foreign minister, Javier Martinez-Hacha, which was held in Panama City, prior to the inauguration event.  Ábrego stressed that Colombian authorities are aware of the construction of the fences, which are “a mixture of barbed wire and serpentine wire,” according to Àbrego.  Agents from the National Border Service are involved in this task, following the guidelines of President Mulino, who during his political campaign expressed his interest in closing Darién to irregular migration.  Although several sectors of the jungle have already been fenced off, on July 1 some 640 irregular migrants managed to enter Panama through the Darien jungle.  Many are already denouncing this measure on social media. 

In his inaugural speech on July 1, Mulino said that the number of illegal immigrants passing through Darien is shocking.  He also stressed that international criminals use this region as their base of operations.  “I will appeal to international solidarity regarding the cause of the problem, and I will seek solutions with the countries involved, especially with the United States, which is the final destination for some immigrants,” the president said.  Meanwhile, Panama and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, July 1, on assistance and cooperation in immigration matters.  The purpose of this agreement is to close the passage of illegal immigrants through the province of Darien.  In the agreement, signed by Panamanian Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorcas, the U.S. government “agrees to cover the cost of repatriating immigrants who enter illegally through Darién.”