Migrant Crossings Drop 99.98% at Panama, US Borders Amid Trump Crackdown

Migrant crossings through Panama's dangerous Darien Gap have plummeted to nearly zero under President Donald Trump's strict immigration enforcement and collaborative efforts with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who has pledged to close the route. Data from the Department of Homeland Security and Panama's National Migration Service show only 10 migrants crossed the gap in June 2025, marking a 99.98% decrease from the peak during the Biden administration in 2023 when over 82,000 crossed in a single month. The Trump administration credits this dramatic decline to enhanced border security, increased deportations, and messaging that America's borders are closed to lawbreakers. Southern border apprehensions have also steadily declined, with only about 6,000 illegal migrants caught in June 2025 and none released into the country. Mulino's independent measures, including effectively closing the Darien route, have contributed to a 40% drop in crossings this year. Officials emphasize the reduction has also helped curb the exploitation and dangers migrants faced on the treacherous journey.