Darien Gap

    The Darien Gap

     Where is the Darien Gap? And why does it matter?  Well, now, the Mayor visited the Panama area last week to observe the situation relative to the geographic location. The Darien Gap is the assigned place name given to the area north of Columbia and south of the Panama Canal. Formerly, the area was part of Colombia, now part of Panama. This area is the main transit area for migrants from all over the world who seek a path to the United States in an attempt to enter without permission and without legal entry status.

     The Immigration laws are in place but have not been adjusted or altered since 1986 in the US. Changes are not any closer now than they have been since 1986. The southern border of the US is hardly an obstacle to any who arrive there seeking entry. many people from around the world now know this entry area is the easiest place to gain access.

      We took a tour of the Canal and the surrounding area: jungle, thick, impenetrable jungle. We saw crocodiles basking in the sun; we saw monkeys climbing in the trees, and we saw the vines, trees, bamboos, and other green growth that made it look impossible to walk through. This is the Darien Gap and it strategic position across the isthmus that must be traversed for those going north. However, the path does not cross the canal itself. Migrants are ferried across the ocean on a brief transition as they continue through Nicaragua onto Mexico and the next thousand plus miles, with maybe a train ride included depending on funds.

   Recent articles in the press describe the hazards, especially for young women who are victimized by           "coyotes" who charge for escorting migrants across the Gap. These women are subject to harassment and worse by these predators who take control of these seekers attempting to improve their lives instead of staying in Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil, China, Russya, India, and many others who have been represented among those arrested at the US border by I.C.E.

Have a nice day.