Panama Reports 55 Migrant Deaths in Darién Jungle in 2024

The perilous route saw a 41% drop in crossings this year, but child abandonment and fatalities remain critical concerns.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino announced that 55 migrants died crossing the Darién jungle in 2024, down from 84 deaths in 2023.
The number of migrants crossing the jungle fell to 300,000 this year, a 41% decrease from 2023's record of 520,000.
Panamanian authorities reported that 180 unaccompanied minors were abandoned during the journey and are now under state care.
The Darién Gap remains a dangerous route for US-bound migrants, with risks including wild animals, fast-flowing rivers, and criminal gangs.
Panama has tightened migration controls, including route closures and deportations funded by the United States, as part of a bilateral agreement.