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When migrants try to illegally enter the United States, they often go through dangerous crossings which include the deadly Darien Gap which is a vast jungle between Colombia and Panama.
United States deported 104 illegal Indian migrants who were sent back to the country in handcuffs. (Courtesy: X)
Days back, the United States sent back 104 Indian migrants after deporting them as part of the crackdown by US President Donald Trump on illegal immigration, an issue which was discussed by him with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a telephone conversation, reported AP.
The journey taken by illegal migrants to reach the US involves going through dangerous crossings, travelling across multiple countries and passing by a dangerous jungle called ‘Darien Gap’ which is between Colombia and Panama.
What Is Darien Gap?
The Darien Gap is a dense rainforest which stretches for 97 km and is filled with swamps and mountains. This forest is the only alternative to the Pan-American Highway which stretches from Alaska to Argentina.
People have long avoided the forest because of its harsh climate, lack of infrastructure and extreme terrain. However, the forest became the unavoidable route for the desperate migrants who were trying to enter the US illegally through the ‘Donkey Route’.
While crossing the Darien Gap, the migrants have to face fast-moving rivers, dangerous wildlife, muddy swamplands and steep mountains.
There are deadly insects, jaguars and venomous snakes present in the jungle which prove life-threatening to the migrants.
The biggest threats the migrants face are from criminal organisations which control the route.
The drug cartels, armed groups and smuggling networks ask for payments, beat the migrants and sometimes even rob them.
Migrants Are Offered ‘Donkey Route’ Packages Which Take Them Through Jungle
Speaking to CNN News18, Vlogger Aditya Tiwari who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah said that the migrants are offered various ‘Donkey Route’ packages ranging from 15-20 lakhs to 70-80 lakhs.
In 15 to 20 Lakhs, the migrants are taken through jungles in Panama and in 70 to 80 Lakhs, the people are taken through flights from Azerbaijan or Argentina.
Aditya has been making videos to spread awareness about the disadvantages of ‘Donkey Route’ and appealing to people not to enter the US illegally.
He said that most of them get arrested at the borders and then they seek political asylum. He added that the motels, gas stations and Gurudwaras are being raided these days to find illegal migrants.
Aditya further emphasised that such illegal migrants can never find a white-collared job and have to do labour jobs.
How Many Migrants Are Crossing And Dying In Darien Gap?
There has been a steep increase in the number of people who were crossing the Darien Gap. More than 5.2 lakh migrants travelled through the jungle in 2023. In 2024, more than 3 lakh crossed the Darien Gap.
The journey can stretch from 7 to 15 days and migrants have to face food and water shortages, rampant crime and disease. The route is so dangerous that some may not even survive.
From 2015-2022, 312 migrant deaths or disappearances were reported in Darien Gap and 229 deaths were reported between 2021 and 2023.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
