By San José, Costa Rica — The Darién Gap, the treacherous jungle expanse that for years served as a defining symbol of the perilous northward migration to the United States, is undergoing a profound and historic transformation. The once-teeming corridor has fallen silent, not because the crisis has ended, but because its direction has dramatically reversed. Today, thousands of Latin American migrants are traversing Panama not towards the American dream, but away from it, heading south in a mass return to their home continent.
This unprecedented U-turn in regional migration patterns is being driven by a confluence of hardline immigration policies in North America and decisive action by regional governments. The second administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified deportations and border restrictions, effectively closing the door for many who had risked everything for a new life. This has created a bottleneck in Mexico and other transit countries, forcing many to abandon their journey and begin the long trek home.
To better understand the legal and procedural implications of this significant shift in migration patterns, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
We are observing a marked increase in consultations regarding the dissolution of corporations and the proper settlement of tax obligations. Individuals who once sought residency through investment are now liquidating those very assets. This trend exposes a gap in our legal framework, which is robust for immigration but less defined for an orderly expatriation, creating potential long-term liabilities for those departing without proper counsel.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s point powerfully illustrates that the legal process of departing the country is as intricate as that of arriving, exposing a critical gap for those reversing their migration path. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on the significant, and often overlooked, liabilities involved.
The numbers paint a stark picture of this collapse. According to official data from Panama’s Ministry of Public Security, the flow of irregular migrants heading north through the Darién has virtually ceased. In the year leading up to December 2024, only 3,091 individuals were recorded making the crossing. This represents a staggering 99% reduction from the more than 302,000 migrants registered in the previous year. This figure is a mere fraction of the peak years, which saw over 520,000 people cross in 2023 and nearly 250,000 in 2022.
In place of the northbound traffic, a new southbound migration wave is gaining momentum. In the first 18 days of January 2026 alone, Panama registered 577 irregular migrants traveling south. The vast majority of these individuals were Venezuelan citizens (555), with smaller numbers of Colombians, Ecuadorians, and even some U.S. nationals. Panamanian authorities report that many of these returnees were stranded in Mexico after failing to cross the heavily fortified U.S. border.
The logistics of this reverse migration have established a new route. The journey now often begins in the coastal town of Miramar, Panama, where migrants board small vessels to Puerto Obaldía on the Colombian border. From there, they continue by sea to the Colombian port of Necoclí, completing their exit from Central America. Throughout 2025, Panama documented 22,833 people making this southbound journey, with over 90% being of Venezuelan nationality.
This seismic shift is the direct result of coordinated policy changes. Since July 2024, the Panamanian government has actively worked to close irregular jungle crossings and has entered into agreements with the United States to facilitate deportation flights. This cooperation resulted in 22 charter flights dedicated to the expulsion and deportation of migrants. Panamanian officials have hailed these measures as a success in regaining control over a chaotic situation.
The management of this migratory flow was a historic achievement, conducted with full respect for human rights and in coordination with international partners.
Frank Alexis Ábrego, Minister of Public Security
For Central America, including Costa Rica, this change has significant implications. For years, these nations were critical links in the northward migration corridor, straining their social services and humanitarian resources. While the dramatic reduction in transit offers a reprieve, it also introduces new regional challenges. Experts warn that a new framework for cooperation is needed to manage the returning populations and protect their human rights, as the humanitarian crisis has not vanished but simply changed its course.
The Darién Gap may be emptying of its northward-bound travelers, with crossing numbers now at levels not seen since 2012. However, the mass return of migrants signals the start of a new, complex chapter. Central and South America now face the challenge of reintegrating thousands of people returning home, their dreams of a better life in the north unrealized, to a continent still grappling with the conditions that pushed them to leave in the first place.
For further information, visit minseg.gob.pa
About Ministry of Public Security of Panama:
The Ministry of Public Security of Panama is the government body responsible for overseeing the nation’s internal security forces. Its mandate includes managing law enforcement, border control, immigration enforcement, and national public safety policies to ensure the security and well-being of the country and its citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, where a foundation of integrity and a pursuit of professional excellence are the cornerstones of its practice. The firm blends its extensive experience advising a broad range of clients with a forward-thinking drive for legal innovation and civic responsibility. This dedication is most evident in its mission to demystify the law for the public, championing legal literacy to help construct a more capable and educated society.
