Panama's President-Elect Vows to Close Major Migrant Route to U.S..

José Raúl Mulino plans to shut down the Darien Gap pathway, aiming to curb the flow of migrants and address associated security risks.

Mulino's policy shift comes after his election victory, with a focus on ending the transit of over 500,000 migrants through Panama.
The Darien Gap has become a perilous but popular route due to organized crime, making it a critical point in regional migration dynamics.
Experts are skeptical about the feasibility and impact of Mulino's plan, citing logistical challenges and the potential for migrants to seek alternative routes.
Humanitarian concerns persist, as the closure could increase risks for migrants forced onto more dangerous paths.
The policy change is seen as a response to both domestic and international pressures, including from the U.S. to manage migration more strictly.