By San José, Costa Rica — A troubling wave of southbound migration is exposing vulnerable individuals to abuse, exploitation, and hardship as they journey from the United States back through Central and South America. Human rights organizations in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama have sounded the alarm about the increasing dangers faced by these migrants, primarily driven by stricter US immigration policies.
According to a joint report released on Friday, August 29, 2025, the flow of northbound migrants through the perilous Darien Gap, the dense jungle separating South and Central America, has plummeted by 97% this year. This dramatic decrease is attributed to both transit restrictions in the Darien Gap and policy changes enacted by the US government. Consequently, a reverse migration flow has emerged, with over 14,000 people returning south from Mexico and the US between January and August.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding southbound migration, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his insights.
Southbound migration presents unique legal challenges, particularly regarding the application of international treaties and the differing legal frameworks of the countries involved. Individuals undertaking these journeys often face precarious legal situations, highlighting the need for comprehensive regional cooperation on migration management and the protection of migrants’ rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly points to the complex legal web surrounding southbound migration, a web that too often snares vulnerable individuals. The call for greater regional cooperation is not just a legal necessity, but a humanitarian one, ensuring the safe and dignified passage for those seeking new opportunities and lives. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this crucial legal perspective on a multifaceted issue.
This “significant increase in reverse migration from north to south” paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by those returning. The report, supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), details widespread accounts of physical abuse, extortion, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence, particularly in Guatemala and Mexico. Over 86% of the returnees, most of whom are Venezuelan, reported experiencing abuse in the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama.
The testimonies obtained reflected a multiplicity of situations of violence faced by this population, with special emphasis on physical abuse, extortion, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence, particularly during their passage through Guatemala and Mexico.
Joint Report by Colombian, Costa Rican, and Panamanian Human Rights Defenders
Beyond the immediate dangers, the report highlights significant obstacles faced by southbound migrants, including a lack of shelters, discrimination, limited access to mental and sexual health services, and the growing threat of forced recruitment, sexual exploitation, and violence by armed groups operating in the region. The report also documents cases of women subjected to labor and sexual exploitation and xenophobia.
Difficulties persist due to the absence of shelters, discrimination, and limitations in mental and sexual health care.
Iris Marín, Colombian Ombudsman
Adding to the hardships, human trafficking networks prey on returning migrants, charging exorbitant fees for transportation from Costa Rica to Panama or Colombia. Many individuals become stranded for extended periods while attempting to gather funds, further increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. Furthermore, cuts to international humanitarian aid have exacerbated the crisis, limiting the resources available to support these vulnerable populations.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of increasingly restrictive immigration policies. The situation demands urgent attention from regional governments and international organizations to address the systemic issues that contribute to the abuse and exploitation of southbound migrants. As the number of returnees continues to climb, providing safe passage, adequate resources, and protection against human rights violations is paramount.
The peak transit through the Darien Gap occurred in 2023, with a staggering 520,000 people risking the treacherous journey. This year’s reversal underscores the significant impact of policy shifts on migration patterns and the urgent need for a more humane and comprehensive approach to managing migration flows.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
About Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a United Nations agency that works to promote and protect human rights around the world. It is responsible for monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance to governments, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the relevant Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office.
About Human Rights Ombudsman’s Offices of Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama:
The Human Rights Ombudsman’s Offices of Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama are independent institutions tasked with protecting and promoting human rights within their respective countries. They investigate human rights violations, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to victims of abuse.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering pursuit of legal excellence and ethical practice. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative programs and initiatives. Their work across diverse sectors reflects not only a mastery of the legal landscape but also a dedication to fostering a just and informed society, ensuring that legal understanding is a tool for empowerment for all.
