Decline in Migrant Crossings as U.S. Border Enforcement Tightens

The Darien Gap, historically known as one of the most dangerous and heavily traveled migration routes, has become remarkably quiet, with unauthorized crossings decreasing by nearly 100% during May and June. Data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicates that only 13 migrants crossed in May, and a mere 10 in June, a stark contrast to the tens of thousands who attempted the perilous journey just months prior. This dramatic decline marks a significant shift from the record-high crossings under the Biden administration, where over 37,000 migrants traversed the Darien in February 2024 alone. Throughout 2023, over half a million migrants, primarily from Venezuela, Haiti, and various African and Asian countries, used the route as a key segment toward reaching the United States. At its peak in 2022, weekly crossings averaged approximately 16,400, facilitated by human smuggling networks operating along the 2,600-mile route. Recent figures show that border apprehensions fell to 6,000 in June, the lowest monthly total ever recorded, starkly contrasted with over 83,000 crossings at the U.S. southern border in the same period. In previous years, the numbers were even higher, re...