Panama’s Darién Gap, a notoriously dangerous jungle route used by thousands of migrants seeking to reach the United States, has seen a dramatic decrease in crossings under the Trump administration. June 2025 figures from both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Panama’s National Migration Service report a mere 10 migrants crossed, a stark contrast to the over 82,000 recorded during a single month under the previous administration. This represents a near-total collapse in migrant traffic, a 99.98% decrease.
This significant drop is attributed to a coordinated effort between the U.S. and Panama. President Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, coupled with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino’s commitment to securing the Darién Gap, has proven highly effective. Increased border patrols and stricter enforcement measures are deterring migrants before they even embark on the perilous journey. The DHS highlighted that this strategy is turning migrants away before they reach the U.S. border.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS stated that the drastic reduction demonstrates the success of the Trump administration’s border security policies. She emphasized that the message is clear: America’s borders are closed to those entering illegally. The White House echoed this sentiment, pointing out that U.S. Border Patrol hasn’t released a single illegal migrant into the country in recent months. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson attributed the success to the widespread awareness of the strengthened border security, deterring migrants from even attempting the dangerous trek.
The administration also continues to focus on deporting those already in the country illegally. McLaughlin reiterated the administration’s commitment to locating, arresting, and deporting those who enter the U.S. illegally. Furthermore, a DHS initiative encourages undocumented immigrants to voluntarily depart using the CBP Home App, offering financial incentives to self-deport, including a $1,000 bonus.
The dramatic reduction in Darién Gap crossings under the Trump administration raises questions about the effectiveness of different immigration policies. The sharp contrast with the previous administration’s figures underscores the potential impact of strict enforcement and international cooperation on migration patterns. This situation presents a compelling case study for ongoing discussions on border security and immigration reform.
