Panama’s president on Monday predicted an increase in the number of US-bound Venezuelan migrants making the dangerous jungle trek from South America after their country’s disputed election.
“I think, and I hope I’m wrong, that the flow of Venezuelans will increase for obvious reasons,” Jose Raul Mulino told a news conference.
“We have to make the necessary decisions to protect their lives… and give expedited passage to people who want to immigrate to the United States,” he added.
The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a key corridor for Venezuelans and other migrants traveling overland from South America to the United States.
Despite the dangers posed by treacherous terrain and violent criminal gangs, more than half a million undocumented migrants crossed the Darien last year.
So far this year, more than 200,000 people have made the journey, mostly Venezuelans, according to Panamanian authorities.
Mulino vowed during his election campaign to deport migrants and close the key route.
After he took office on July 1, the conservative lawyer signed an agreement with Washington that pledged $6 million in US funding for repatriating undocumented migrants from Panama.
Mulino later appeared to soften his tone, however, saying, “We cannot forcibly repatriate” migrants.
Panama announced that it would withdraw its diplomats from Venezuela and suspend diplomatic ties after President Nicolas Maduro declared victory in Sunday’s election, which was disputed by opposition claims of fraud.
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