According to a press release from the National Migration Service (SNM), only in the first days of April, 15,303 people crossed through the dangerous Darien jungle.

In that regard, National Migration Service Director Samira Gozaine reiterated that from 2023, when more than 520,000 people crossed the jungle, to date, 30 operations have been carried out against human trafficking, a situation that shows that it is not a legal flow, it has become a business for organized crime.

The official rejected a recent report by Human Right Watch, and assured that “it is an ideological and political issue.”

In reference to the HRW report, Gozaine noted that it is irresponsible and not objective. She added that it criticizes biometrics when only through these data people with criminal records are detected and the integrity of Panama and the whole continent is safeguarded.

According to Gozaine, it is a matter of State and national security, and has originated expenses of up to 70 million dollars in lodging, transportation, health care and food for illegal travelers.

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