Moderators Moderator_03 Posted July 26 Moderators Share Posted July 26 Quote Ten Migrants Found Dead on the Border Between Panama and Colombia Posted 25/07/2024 Panamanian authorities have found the bodies of 10 migrants who drowned when they were caught in a flooded river while crossing the Darien jungle, the country's National Border Service (Senafront) reported in a statement on Wednesday. According to the police guarding the border with Colombia, the incident occurred on the tributaries of a river near the community of Carreto, Guna Yala. The deaths of these people occurred despite the fact that since the beginning of July, the new government, headed by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, has placed barbed wire or serpentine fences on at least five paths, so that according to Senafront and the country's Ministry of Security, migrants who enter illegally through the border with Colombia are forced to use only one authorized entrance. The Senafront statement reiterates that the objective is to "channel irregular migration through the humanitarian corridor that offers greater protection to the migrant population. Transnational organized crime, through local collaborators in these Caribbean coastal communities, insists on using unauthorized crossings, putting the lives of these people at serious risk, as is the case under investigation." The only authorized crossing point for migration is the one leading to Cañas Blancas, in Darién, "where specialized patrols are available for protection and humanitarian assistance," explained the Senafront statement. The agency added that it informed the Public Prosecutor's Office of the deaths of these 10 people "considering that these bodies were supposedly buried to cover up their criminal links to migrant trafficking." Figures from Panama's National Migration Service indicate that so far in 2024 and as of Monday, 216,005 migrants have entered the country irregularly; while the Ministry of Security says that with the new measures implemented there is a decrease, since in June 31,049 migrants passed through, and so far in July, only 11,386 have been registered. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/ten-migrants-found-dead-on-the-border-between-panama-and-colombia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted July 27 Moderators Share Posted July 27 Quote Migrant Trafficking Network Dismantled in Chiriquí Posted 26/07/2024 A total of seven people, allegedly linked to the crime of migrant trafficking, as part of the "Matsu" operation carried out in the province of Chiriquí, were arrested this week, the Public Prosecutor's Office reported. Prosecutor Emeldo Márquez explained that this investigation began in May 2023, and it was possible to determine that it was an organized criminal group, which was dedicated to mobilizing migrants of mostly Chinese nationality, who arrived in the province of Chiriquí, from the capital city. Once in this region, they were left in hotels for a few days and then moved to Paso Canoas with the objective of continuing the route through Central America, to their final destination in the United States. To do this, they maintained contacts with people along the entire route who were in charge of following the illegal work. According to Márquez in this work, various investigative techniques were used, including more than 25 surveillance and monitoring procedures, which allowed the existence and operation of a group of people who transported foreign citizens to the border area and there handed them over to other citizens of Costa Rican origin to be corroborated. These investigations also showed that selective transport vehicles were used to transport them at night. In this operation, 12 search warrants were carried out in the districts of David, Bugaba, Alanje and Boquete. Also, 18 cell phones, 2 computers, more than 70,000 dollars and a firearm without the corresponding permits were also recovered. In the coming week, the detainees are expected to be brought before a judge in order to legalize their arrest, to formulate charges for the alleged crime of illegal migrant trafficking, which carries a sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison, and to request the application of precautionary measures in accordance with the crime. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/migrant-trafficking-network-dismantled-in-chiriqui Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted July 31 Moderators Share Posted July 31 Quote 3 Boats From Colombia With 26 Illegal Migrants Were Just Captured Posted 30/07/2024 Three boats were detected transporting 26 migrants of various nationalities, 5 miles from Playa Luciano, in the Pacific Panama. Minister Frank Abrego explained that thanks to the intelligence work by the public forces, it was possible to identify that the three boats had departed from Colombia bound for the Punta Ardita sector, on the border. There, Panamanian ‘bad actors’ waited to continue the move to a foundry near the community of Jaque. "These illicit activities, characterized as human trafficking, will not go unpunished." Those responsible will be put at the behest of the competent authorities for their due trial," Abrego asserted firmly. The security head highlighted that operations by land, air and sea have intensified with the aim of capturing these criminals who profit from human tragedy, regardless of the lives they endanger. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/3-boats-from-colombia-with-26-illegal-migrants-were-just-captured Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 10 Moderators Share Posted August 10 Quote Panama Dismantles “VIP Route” for Chinese Migrants in the Darién Jungle Posted 09/08/2024 Panama’s border police dismantled an organization involved in the human trafficking of Chinese migrants, facilitating a “VIP route” with fewer difficulties to cross the inhospitable Darién jungle on their way to the United States. “We have arrested 15 people linked to the crime of illegal migrant trafficking,” said prosecutor Emeldo Márquez. All those detained are Panamanians. The arrests were made in the jungle locality of Santa Fe, near the city of Metetí in the Darién province, a region bordering Colombia through which thousands of migrants pass on their way to the United States. The detainees, according to the prosecutor, operated a “VIP route” that takes less time, but for which migrants had to pay more money to the coyotes. It was mainly used by Chinese migrants. Border police (Senafront) agents, together with prosecutors, raided several houses and farms, where they seized a dozen vehicles used by the detainees to transport migrants. Some are simple wooden houses located on the edge of the Inter-American Highway, while others are in less accessible places, reached by dirt roads, as AFP journalists observed. Several had cameras and electronic devices in the vicinity, presumably to alert of police presence. The raids also found trucks for transporting migrants and houses with businesses in the vicinity, allegedly to launder money from human trafficking. Prosecutor Márquez explained that this organization “operated by charging for packages ranging from 2,600 to 8,000 dollars per person.” According to the official, the detainees, who work for Colombian gangs from the Gulf of Urabá, helped mobilize more than 700 migrants through Panama. Those arrested risk sentences of 15 to 20 years in prison. “This crime is part of the actions of transnational organized crime” that “uses a global phenomenon like migratory flow” and the “vulnerability of migrants,” said Commissioner Edgar Pitti, head of Senafront in the area. “It’s a route that has been called VIP because of the facilities it provides in moving faster than the route that the rest of the migrants are using,” Márquez stated. This route allows migrants to leave the Colombian towns of Capurganá or Necoclí, in the Caribbean, and arrive by sea to the Panamanian localities of Carreto or Caledonia. From there, they enter the jungle for a journey that takes them two days. Those who choose this route can make the journey by canoe, horse, or even in off-road vehicles. The rest of the migrants take 5 to 8 days to cross the jungle to reach the Panamanian village of Bajo Chiquito. For this option, migrants pay up to 500 dollars per person, according to Márquez. From Bajo Chiquito, they go by canoe to a shelter, where they receive assistance from Panamanian officials and international organizations. Then they continue their journey by bus to Costa Rica. In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed this jungle, where they face dangers such as raging rivers, wild animals, and criminal groups that rob, rape, and kill. So far this year, more than 220,000 people have crossed the jungle, mostly Venezuelans, but also Ecuadorians, Colombians, Haitians, and Chinese. The number of Chinese migrants through the Darién increased from 296 in the 2010-2019 periods to more than 12,000 so far in 2024, according to official Panamanian figures. According to the prosecutor’s office, Chinese migrants have greater purchasing power, which allows them to pay more to coyotes for shorter and safer routes. The Panamanian government announced weeks ago the closure of several trails used by migrants in the jungle. The deputy director of Senafront, Larry Solís, stated that the coyotes receive help from locals. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-dismantles-vip-route-for-chinese-migrants-in-the-darien-jungle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 18 Moderators Share Posted August 18 Quote Repatriation Flights for Migrants Entering Via the Darien Begin August 20 Posted 17/08/2024 Panama and the United States will launch repatriation flights next Tuesday, August 20, for migrants who entered through the Darien jungle , as part of a cooperation agreement between the two countries. This was announced by the President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, in an interview with the American network Univisión. “On the 20th of August we should have the first flight. That will be very useful and the impact and the news that it will generate,” said Mulino. “I am deeply sorry, but I know why many of them are fleeing. The political crisis in Venezuela is strangling them and they are looking for another dream,” said Mulino in the interview that took place in the Dominican Republic. The president was participating this Friday in the inauguration of the Dominican president, Luis Abinader. Mulino said that these repatriation flights will not represent a cost for Panama and that the problem is with the United States, which has its border in Darien and not in Texas. It should be remembered that Panama and the United States signed an agreement at the beginning of July of this year, in which the United States will finance the repatriation of migrants arriving from Colombia who do not have a legal basis to remain in Panama. Since 2021, Panama has experienced an increase in irregular migrants crossing the Darien jungle, with 520,000 people doing so last year. Most of these migrants are Venezuelans, whose goal is to reach the United States. At the beginning of July, Panamanian authorities fenced off several crossing points used by migrants with wire, in order to better control these travelers in areas under security surveillance. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/repatriation-flights-for-migrants-entering-via-the-darien-begin-august-20-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 21 Moderators Share Posted August 21 Quote Panama Deports 29 Colombians on First US-Funded Flight August 20, 2024 Panama deported 29 Colombians on Tuesday on a flight that the government said was the first paid for by the United States under an agreement the two countries signed in July. The Colombians had entered Panama illegally through the Darien jungle, a path used by more than 500,000 migrants headed north last year; the vast majority of those were Venezuelans. But at least for now, Panama is not able to deport Venezuelans because the relationship between the two countries has turned tense since Panama — like most other countries in the region -– has refused to recognize the results of Venezuela’s election, giving President Nicolas Maduro another term. The two countries have suspended their diplomatic relations. Panama President José Raúl Mulino, who took office July 1, pledged to stop that migration flow, an interest he shares with the U.S. government. Mulino had originally said the flights would be “voluntary” repatriations, but those deported Tuesday had criminal records, officials said. Roger Mojico, director of Panama’s National Immigration Service, told reporters Tuesday that Panama is speaking with other countries such as Ecuador and India about coordinating repatriation flights. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/20/panama-deports-29-colombians-on-first-us-funded-flight/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 22 Moderators Share Posted August 22 Quote Bus Carrying Migrants Crashes in Panama August 21, 2024 A bus carrying 40 irregular migrants suffered an accident on the Inter-American Highway in Panama on Wednesday, leaving 17 injured, one “seriously,” the Ministry of Health of the Central American country reported. The accident occurred early this morning on the Inter-American Highway, the highway that crosses the entire country and connects it with the rest of Central America, near Los Ruices, in the province of Veraguas, in western Panama, when the vehicle collided with the base of a pedestrian bridge. Panama’s Ministry of Health said in a statement that 17 of the passengers were taken to a public hospital in Veraguas, one of whom was “seriously injured.” The group of 17 people treated at the Luis ‘Chicho’ Fábrega hospital in Veraguas includes four minors, aged 4, 11, 2 and 10, who were in stable condition, the health ministry said. In February 2023, a total of 37 irregular migrants died and 27 survived when a bus that was transporting them to the border with neighboring Costa Rica to continue their journey to North America overturned, in what has been one of the deadliest traffic accidents recorded in the history of the Central American country. Panama is one of several countries that thousands of migrants cross every day in America on their irregular journey to the north of the continent in search of a better life, which has generated a humanitarian crisis in the region. Amid this flow, which in 2023 reached an unprecedented figure of more than 520,000 people arriving in Panama after crossing the dangerous Darien jungle, its border with Colombia, other traffic accidents have been recorded involving migrants. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/21/bus-carrying-migrants-crashes-in-panama/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 30 Moderators Share Posted August 30 Quote Panama Deported 30 Ecuadorians Who Entered Panama Illegally August 29, 2024 Panama deported on Thursday, August 29, the first group of Ecuadorians who entered the country illegally, as part of the repatriation and deportation plan in place with the United States government. On this occasion, 30 Ecuadorian citizens were deported to their country, as part of the agreement between Panama and the United States to combat illegal migration. These people were returned to their country for illegally evading the Darien checkpoint after entering from Colombian territory. The foreigners left Panama this Thursday from the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, in Albrook, bound for the Eloy Alfaro International Airport, located in the city of Manta, Ecuador. The United States has allocated $6 million to develop this repatriation and deportation plan, which officially began on August 20. Another deportation flight with 30 Colombian citizens is scheduled for this Friday, August 30. According to data from the National Migration Service, between January and August of this year, 236,621 migrants have entered the country illegally, crossing the dangerous Darien jungle. This represents about 85,000 fewer than what was reported in the same period in 2023. Most of these migrants aim to reach the United States. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/29/panama-on-thursday-deported-ecuadorians-who-entered-panama-illegally/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 31 Moderators Share Posted August 31 Quote Panama Deported 147 Migrants to Their Home Countries in August August 30, 2024 The National Migration Service reported that Panama deported 147 people in August as per agreement with the United States with most of them being Colombian. 28 Colombian citizens were sent home Friday August 30. 26 were deported for evading checkpoints and 2 were expelled for serving a sentence for drug trafficking. It should be noted that this deportation and repatriation plan is part of an agreement between the governments of Panama and the United States to curb the irregular migratory flow of people, whose main objective is to reach US territory. Under this agreement, financed by the US government, four flights have been made as of Friday: three to Colombia and one to Ecuador. Thursday August 29, 30 Ecuadorians were deported after entering the country illegally after crossing the Darien jungle from Colombia. It is worth mentioning that Panama carried out a deportation on its own and it was on August 7 when 30 Colombians were deported. According to Panamanian authorities, some 90 nationals have entered the country irregularly through the Darién, the majority of whom were Venezuelans. The Panamanian government plans to deport 70 irregular migrants from India on September 3. According to data from the National Migration Service, some 230,000 people have entered the Darien jungle this year. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/30/panama-deported-147-migrants-to-their-home-countries-in-august/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted Monday at 11:55 AM Moderators Share Posted Monday at 11:55 AM Quote Illegal Migrants Camp in the Darien * Starlink Satellite Antennas Seized September 1, 2024 More than 55 huts were found on the banks of a river in a community in the Emberá aboriginal region in the Darién. Panamanian National Border Service units found a camp on Saturday in the middle of the Darien jungle, the natural border between Colombia and Panama, where food and services were being “illegally” sold to irregular migrants who cross this dangerous jungle on their journey to North America. This occurred within the scope of the “Arcángel Miguel” operation in which some 150 agents of the National Border Service (Senafront) participated. The place, which is outside the regular route followed by migrants once they cross the border, was equipped for camping, eating, had boats, electric generators, refrigerators and sophisticated technology for the Internet, as EFE confirmed during a tour of the area. In the operation, carried out with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of the Environment, “seven Starlink satellite antennas were seized, technology that is presumed to have been used to facilitate illicit activities in the region,” said a statement from Senafront. The police entity pointed out that this camp “is the product of the exploitation of circular illicit economies that profit from the suffering and desperation of migrants who are guided by coyotes to this point from the Caribbean coasts.” It adds that in these sites “related criminal activities such as prostitution, drug dealing and extortion proliferate. Promoted and in connection with criminal groups such as the Clan del Golfo.” Irregular migration through the border jungle is controlled by the Colombian criminal group Clan del Golfo, according to the authorities of Colombia and Panama. “This type of activity is a replica of what the Clan del Golfo does in Colombia. In these camps, the illegal economy lends itself to them setting the prices, the activities, what the migrants are going to do, when they move and when they don’t; that’s what we see here and that’s why we’re here,” Jorge Gobea, director of the National Border Service (Senafront), told EFE today. Gobea recalled that approximately a month ago, 30 more of these “improvised camps” were located in another indigenous area of Darien, which “was destroyed at that time.” One of the locals defended the commercial activity they are engaged in, and stated that the information provided by Senafront is “exaggerated” regarding the alleged exploitation of migrants. Migrants who enter the jungle face assaults and rapes as well as the rigors of the environment, such as wild animals and flooding rivers. Upon arrival in the province of Panama, migrants are treated at immigration stations where they receive medical attention and food, and their biometric data is taken, which allows the authorities to keep statistics on crossings and detect criminals, as they themselves have pointed out. The Panamanian government has adopted the measure of fencing off trails in the jungle to try to channel the migratory flow and has launched a joint plan between Panama and the United States to repatriate travelers who cross the jungle. Senafront today reminded the population of irregular migrants that “the only humanitarian corridor authorized to enter Darién is the one that connects Cañas Blancas with Bajo Chiquito.” The “clandestine camp” discovered Saturday is located between the Tacartí and Membrillo rivers, in the sector known as Dos Bocas, outside the authorized humanitarian route. According to data from the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, between January and August 2023, 324,204 people crossed the Darien jungle, and in the same period this year, 236,621 did so, “which represents a decrease of more than 85,000 citizens, this is equivalent to a variation of 27 percent.” “These are people that we have not had to go rescue or provide humanitarian aid to, which is the responsibility of the State, and we are the only ones who do it here” in the region, Gobea stressed. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/01/illegal-migrants-camp-in-the-darien-starlink-satellite-antennas-seized/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted yesterday at 12:11 PM Moderators Share Posted yesterday at 12:11 PM Quote Emberá Wounaan Region Reject Accusations Regarding Formation of Clandestine Camps September 5, 2024 Representatives of the Emberá Wounaan region rejected Thursday September 5, the accusations made by the National Border Service (Senafront) officers regarding the formation of clandestine camps to negotiate the needs of migrants entering Panama through the border with Colombia in Darién. The general chief of the Emberá region, Leonides Cunampia, said in an interview that the authorities of the National Migration Service of the government of Laurentino Cortizo, that is, the former director, Samira Gozaine, had full knowledge of the activities of these camps, which he described as aid centers for migrants. “That camp was not clandestine; it is an aid center. Those from the previous government were fully aware of it,” said Leonides Cunampia, indicating that there are two camps that exist in the area. “There is no charge there, only the water service provided,” said Cunampia, noting that they provide help with food, accommodation and access to health products. He said that in that specific camp, assistance and help is provided to migrants. “Panama should be grateful to the indigenous peoples, as we provide first aid and have prevented some deaths,” said the chief. On August 31, Jorge Gobea, director of Senafront , announced the discovery of the camp they described as clandestine, located between the Tacartí and Membrillo rivers, in the sector known as Dos Bocas, in the province of the Darién. At that time, they indicated that it was a camp where migrants were guided by the so-called ‘coyotes’ who market migration routes. Senafront later reported that the case has been passed on to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the order to dismantle and evacuate the camp was expected. Cunampia admitted that there are bad people in the mountains who take advantage of migrants, but he assured that in that camp they do not negotiate with people. Hector Huertas, a lawyer for the Comarca, said that both the mayor of the Comarca and the governor requested that the Immigration authorities establish these aid stations for migrants between 2022 and 2023. “We believe that the State must assume its responsibility and hold meetings in coordination with the Emberá and have a more humane approach and treatment regarding the issue of migrants, because it is also beyond the actions of both the Government and the indigenous people,” said Huertas. He said it cannot be ignored that there are some individuals involved in human trafficking operating in the area. “There are individuals, and we cannot hide the truth, who are involved in international trafficking, but we are not talking about those people, but about the communities that require help and understanding from the state authorities,” said Huertas. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/05/embera-wounaan-region-reject-accusations-regarding-formation-of-clandestine-camps/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted 11 hours ago Moderators Share Posted 11 hours ago Quote Colombian Citizen, a Contract Killer, Caught in the Darién by Interpol September 6, 2024 The National Border Service (Senafront) reported that it arrested a Colombian citizen in the province of Darién who is under an Interpol alert and who is allegedly linked to the Clan del Golfo. He is obviously a hardened criminal, was involved in homicide, and like many of his cohorts, on his way to the United States to hopefully cross the Mexican border. According to authorities, this person was captured using a biometric profiling system while he was part of the migratory flow of Lajas Blancas, Darién. According to a statement from Senafront, this person is allegedly linked to alleged selective murders in the form of contract killings. In addition, he is allegedly linked to the Clan del Golfo organization in the city of Cartagena. Likewise, it is detailed that the arrest alert by Interpol is in force at the request of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office of Cartagena, for the alleged commission of the crimes of aggravated criminal conspiracy, aggravated homicide and torture. Panama is making the necessary arrangements to present the detainee to the requesting authority in his country of origin. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/06/colombian-citizen-a-contract-killer-caught-in-the-darien-by-interpol/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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