Panama weighs more checkpoints in treacherous jungle progressively crossed by migrants

PANAMA CITY – Panama's next federal government is thinking about putting up brand-new checkpoints along a stretch of thick jungle on its southern border that has actually ended up being a treacherous part of the journey for growing masses of U.S.-bound migrants, the inbound security chief stated on Thursday.

The extra checkpoints, where deportation orders might be provided to migrants, seem part of President-elect Jose Raul Mulino's project promise to close the so-called Darien Gap, despite the fact that he has yet to reveal a comprehensive strategy.

Frank Abrego, Mulino's inbound security chief, drifted an official border closure together with the checkpoints to process migrants in remarks to press reporters instantly after an interview in the capital, where the next president provided part of his cabinet.

The federal government of Mulino, himself a previous security minister, takes workplace on July 1.

In 2015, a record 520,000 migrants crossed the jungle in between Colombia and Panama, mainly running away Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti and China.

The primary migration paths there hug Panama's northern Caribbean coast, providing the most direct course to pass through the roadless jungle.

The location, running about 100 kilometers (62 miles), is called the “space” on Panama's Darien isthmus given that it is the only missing out on area of the Pan-American highway that extends from Alaska to Argentina.

“If a border closure were stated tomorrow, we develop the checkpoints where we can apprehend … these prohibited immigrants,” stated Abrego.

“I believe that's going to take place,” he included.

In his governmental project, Mulino consistently assured to “close” the Darien Gap, promising Panama needs to not be a transit nation for migrants, and vowed to request aid from countries consisting of the United States and Colombia.

Mulino once again swore to take a difficult position versus illegal crossings throughout a speech recently.

“Those who show up here are going to be gone back to their native land,” he stated. REUTERS