Closed migration route, new security gear, and a 99% drop in illegal crossings show joint effort is working
U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera made his first official visit to Panama’s Darién province this week. The focus was on what’s being called a major win in the fight against illegal immigration and organized crime.
The visit served to highlight the results of recent joint efforts between the United States and Panama to clamp down on criminal activity in the Darién jungle, a region that was widely known as a dangerous migrant route. Officials say illegal crossings through this stretch have dropped dramatically, by about 99%, thanks to a bilateral agreement rolled out between the two countries.
Background on the U.S.-Panama migration agreement
In July 2024, the United States and Panama signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at curbing irregular migration through the Darién Gap. Under this agreement, the U.S. committed to funding the repatriation of migrants who enter Panama illegally, as well as providing equipment, transportation, and logistical support to assist Panama in enforcing its immigration laws.
The initiative was designed to reduce the number of migrants being smuggled through the dangerous jungle en route to the United States and to disrupt the operations of criminal networks exploiting the vulnerable.
From dangerous crossing to secured border
As part of his visit, Cabrera stopped at a now-shuttered migrant reception center in Lajas Blancas, which was a key point along the migration route. The facility’s closure itself shows how seriously both countries are tackling the flow of migrants, drugs, and weapons through the region.
“This is about securing our borders and stopping criminals in their tracks,” Cabrera said. “President Trump’s leadership and President Mulino’s commitment have made this progress possible. Now, we have to keep the momentum going.”
Millions in support for Panama’s forces
Cabrera didn’t arrive empty-handed. His team delivered over $3 million worth of equipment to support Panama’s border and migration services. That includes high-powered boats, biometric scanning systems, buses, pickup trucks, and even a brand-new U.S.-funded vehicle maintenance facility in Metetí.
The donation also came with training and tech support, which will help Panama’s security forces stay equipped for long-term border control and anti-narcotics operations.
During the visit, Cabrera also met with top Panamanian security leaders to discuss future operations and cooperation. Both sides expressed a clear goal: to keep criminal activity out of the region and make the border safer for everyone.
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