The flow of irregular migrants crossing the dangerous Darién jungle has experienced a significant decrease in the first 23 days of January 2025, according to the report of the National Migration Service (SNM) in the framework of “Operation Controlled Flow”.

The data reveal that, compared to the same period in 2024, the number of migrants has dropped by 93%, from 23,099 to only 1,710 people, mostly of Venezuelan, Colombian, Ecuadorian and Indian nationalities.

The decrease, which represents a drop of 21,389 migrants, has been attributed mainly to the closure of irregular passages and clandestine traches in the Darién region, a measure that was implemented with the aim of controlling irregular migration and improving security in the area.

This control has had a significant effect not only in January, but also throughout 2024, and according to the report, in 2024 the total number of migrants who entered Panama through the Darién was 302,203, which represents a notable decrease compared to the 520,085 migrants registered in 2023, which is equivalent to a reduction of 217,882 people.