Panama's New President, José Raúl Mulino Vows Migration Crackdown With Assistance From Washington
Jul 2, 2024
José Raúl Mulino is now Panama’s president. He's under pressure to reduce migration through the Darien Gap, which connects Panama and Colombia.
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PANAMA CITY -- On Monday, José Raúl Mulino was sworn in as Panama's new president. He's under pressure to slow irregular migration through the Darien Gap, the jungle border with Colombia. The 65-year-old former security minister has vowed to stop migration through this lawless area.
Last year, over half a million people crossed the Darien Gap. In 2024, over 190,000 migrants from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China have already crossed into Panama.
"After being sworn in, I won't allow Panama to become a route for illegal migrants backed by drug and human trafficking organizations," Mulino stated.
“I understand migration's deep-rooted causes, but each country must solve its own problems.”
Shortly after Mulino became president, the Panamanian government stated. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Panama’s Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Martínez-Acha signed an agreement. The U.S. will pay for the expenses of returning migrants who enter Panama illegally through the Darien Gap.
Last week, during a visit to Darien, Mulino said he would negotiate with the U.S. government to help deport migrants who enter Panama. Mayorkas was present at Mulino's inauguration.
The U.S. will mainly fund deportation flights, according to Panama’s Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Javier Martínez Acha, who said Sunday that the exact amounts weren't finalized.
Michael Shifter, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, noted that Mulino's top priority is stopping irregular immigration through the Darien Gap. He added that the new president seems strongly dedicated to this goal.
"However, implementing this policy won't be easy, as various groups and interests will likely oppose it," Shifter commented. He emphasized that the U.S. government will bear the costs of deportation.
Panama’s new approach to halting and deporting migrants marks a significant change. Previously, under the outgoing administration, Panama facilitated quick and orderly crossings for migrants. They would register upon emerging from the jungle and be escorted to Costa Rica.
The presidents of Costa Rica and Colombia attended Mulino’s inauguration.
Making Panama's rules stricter might stop some migrants from reaching the U.S. border for a while. But they might find more dangerous ways to go, helping smugglers.
Mulino won the May election with more than 30% of the vote, replacing Ricardo Martinelli, who couldn't run because of a 10-year jail term for money crimes.
Besides immigration, Mulino must also handle the Panama Canal, which has fewer ships due to the long dry season.
Mulino faces a budget gap from canceling a big mining deal due to protests. He criticized the previous administration for a weak economy and high debt.
“My focus will be on helping most Panamanians,” Mulino said. “We won’t lose wealth, but will fight poverty.”
He plans to create a youth jobs program and improve roads and highways.
