José Raúl Mulino sworn in as Panama’s President, promises migration crackdown
José Raúl Mulino was sworn in as Panama’s new president on Monday, taking office amid growing pressure to curb irregular migration through the Darien Gap, the treacherous route linking his country with Colombia.
The 65-year-old former security minister has vowed to halt the flow of migrants through the jungle-filled, largely lawless border area.
Over half a million people crossed the Darien Gap last year, and more than 190,000 have made the dangerous journey in 2024, with most migrants coming from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China.
“I will not allow Panama to become an open route for thousands of people entering our country illegally, aided by international organizations linked to drug trafficking and human trafficking,” Mulino stated after his swearing-in on Monday. “I understand the deep-rooted causes of migration, but each country must address its own issues.”
Following his inauguration, the Panamanian government announced that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had signed a memorandum of understanding with Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha. Under the agreement, the U.S. government will cover the cost of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally through the Darien.
Last week, Mulino, during a visit to the Darien, indicated that he would seek an agreement with the U.S. to assist in deporting migrants who cross into Panama. Mayorkas was present at his inauguration.
The U.S. would primarily fund deportation flights. Panama’s Foreign Minister-designate, Javier Martínez-Acha, confirmed that the U.S. would cover these costs, though the exact figures are still pending.
“Mulino has made halting irregular immigration through the Darien Gap a central focus of his agenda,” said Michael Shifter, adjunct professor at Georgetown University. “He seems highly committed to this goal.”
“However, implementing this policy won’t be easy,” Shifter added. “Opposition from various groups and interests is expected, and the U.S. government will bear the brunt of the deportation costs.”
This approach marks a stark shift from the outgoing administration, which had worked to help migrants transit Panama swiftly and orderly. Migrants typically emerged from the jungle, registered with authorities, and were then escorted to the Costa Rican border.
The presidents of Costa Rica and Colombia were also present at the inauguration.
Strengthening enforcement efforts in Panama could help reduce the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border, at least temporarily, until new routes emerge. However, this could also push migrants onto more dangerous paths, benefiting smugglers in the process.
Mulino won the May election with over 30% of the vote in a crowded race, succeeding former President Ricardo Martinelli, who was banned from running after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering.
Beyond migration, Mulino will need to manage one of the world’s most critical trade routes, the Panama Canal, which was forced to limit traffic earlier this year due to ongoing drought conditions.
He will also face the challenge of addressing a budget shortfall caused by the cancellation of a major mining concession following widespread protests.
On Monday, Mulino criticized outgoing President Laurentino Cortizo for leaving behind a struggling economy and high public debt.
“My administration will focus primarily on addressing the issues facing the majority of Panamanians,” Mulino said. “This does not mean eliminating wealth, but rather fighting poverty.”
He also promised to launch a program to promote youth employment and efforts to rebuild the country’s roads and highways.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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