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‘We’re going to shut the Darien Gap down’: Homan

January 13, 2025
The Darien Gap is a stretch of dense, uninhabited wilderness between Panama and Colombia that migrants use to traverse Central and South America. Now, the man tapped to lead Donald Trump’s immigration efforts says the incoming administration will work to shut it down.

For migrants, the Darien Gap has become a major, often dangerous, passageway on their journey from South America to North America, particularly as many seek to reach the United States.

Migrants from countries like Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras and others often use the route as part of a larger migration journey. They’re fleeing poverty, violence and political instability in their home countries.

For more than a decade, Venezuelans have been fleeing their homes due to a combination of economic hardship, political repression, violent crime and a lack of basic services. Many hope to build a better future in neighboring countries or further abroad.

Trump administration plans to ‘shut down’ the Darien Gap

President-elect Donald Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, told NBC News that the incoming administration would shut down the Darien Gap to help curb illegal migration.

“We’re going to shut the Darien Gap down,” Homan told NBC News.

When asked if the Trump administration would work with the Panamanian government or use the military to shut it down, Homan said, “We’re always going to work with a foreign government. But it needs to happen. It’ll save thousands of lives.”

Shutting down the Darien Gap could be a complex challenge. It would require a multifaceted approach that combines infrastructure, law enforcement, diplomacy and humanitarian efforts between the U.S. and Panamanian governments.

Panama’s response to migration

Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, has been in office for just over six months. Last year, he promised to take a tougher stance on migration.

Mulino’s administration installed barbed wire fences in the Darien, imposed fines and deported migrants using U.S.-funded flights.

“We are working every day to ensure that illegal migration does not reach Panama City or the rest of the country,” Mulino told lawmakers on Jan. 2.

Decline in migration numbers

According to Panama’s migration authorities, 302,203 migrants traversed the Darien Gap in 2024. That’s 42% fewer than the record number of 520,085 migrants who crossed the jungle passageway the year prior, Reuters reported.

Challenges for U.S. immigration enforcement

Trump and Homan have promised mass deportations of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is dealing with a budget shortfall of $230 million, U.S. officials told NBC News.

Both Trump and Homan have stated there is no price tag when it comes to getting violent criminal migrants off the streets and back to their home countries.
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Sugary drinks tied to millions of diabetes, heart disease cases worldwide

January 6, 2025
A new study exploring the harmful effects sugary drinks have on health reveals a global rise in diabetes and heart disease linked to regular consumption. Researchers from Tufts University have released data showing that sugary drinks are responsible for an increase in both conditions, with significant health disparities emerging in low and middle-income countries.

The study estimates sugary drinks contribute to 2.2 million new diabetes cases and over a million heart disease diagnoses each year.

It also highlights how quickly sugary drinks spike blood sugar levels, with regular consumption linked to weight gain, insulin resistance and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The data includes nearly 3 million people, representing 87% of the global population. In 2020, sugary drinks were responsible for 24% of all new diabetes cases in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sub-Saharan Africa, which has seen the largest rise in cases over the past 30 years, is also heavily impacted. The study found sugary drinks were responsible for 21% of new diabetes cases and 11% of new heart disease diagnoses in the region.

Dariush Mozaffarian, one of the study’s authors, noted that sugary drinks are often targeted to low and middle-income communities. Those are areas where people are more vulnerable to long-term health problems.

“Not only are these communities consuming harmful products, but they are also often less well-equipped to deal with the long-term health consequences,” Mozaffarian said.

Countries like Colombia and Mexico, which have high poverty rates, have seen sugary drinks contribute to a significant percentage of both diseases.

While the study can’t definitively prove cause and effect, researchers are calling for increased public awareness about the risks sugary drinks pose to health.

They point to efforts in countries like Mexico, France and Thailand, where “sugar taxes” have been implemented to curb diabetes or obesity rates.

Several U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Seattle and Philadelphia, have also adopted similar taxes on sugary beverages.

The World Health Organization estimates 830 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Meanwhile, heart disease claims nearly 18 million lives each year.
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State of emergency declared in Trinidad and Tobago after rise in gang violence

December 30, 2024
As the new year approaches, a surge in violent crime is casting a shadow over Trinidad and Tobago, with the nation now facing one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean. The dual-island country recorded 623 murders as of the week of Dec. 29, a toll exacerbated by a violent weekend.

Police say the attacks, which involve high-powered weapons, have become so extensive that they now pose a significant threat to public safety.

Among the violence was a gang-related shooting, prompting government officials to declare a state of emergency to curb the violence and prevent further retaliation.

The criminal gangs via the use of the high-powered assault weapons and other illegal firearms in areas of Trinidad and possibly Tobago are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety.

Statement by Attorney General Stuart Young

In a statement, the prime minister’s office said the goal of the emergency is to target those involved in criminal activities and the illegal use of firearms.

Nearly half of the murders this year are reportedly linked to gang violence, with officials acknowledging the violence has reached levels comparable to some of the most dangerous countries in Latin America, including Colombia and Mexico.

As part of the state of emergency, police and military forces will flood the streets to intensify efforts to combat gang violence.

Authorities will also have expanded powers under the declaration, including the ability to take individuals into custody without charge and conduct searches without the need for warrants. This includes searches of both private and public properties.

Despite these measures, officials have confirmed that no curfew will be imposed as the country prepares for Carnival, which draws thousands of international tourists each year.

The last state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago was declared during the COVID-19 pandemic to help slow the spread of the virus.
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Drug lord Fabio Ochoa released, returns to Colombia after 25 years in US prison

December 24, 2024
A convicted Colombian drug lord who served 25 years in a U.S. prison is now a free man in his home country. Authorities deported Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, 67, after he completed his prison sentence. He landed in Bogotá, Colombia, on Monday, Dec. 23.

Upon his arrival at the airport, Colombian authorities ran Ochoa’s fingerprints. They confirmed that he is not facing any criminal charges related to crimes he may have committed during his time with the Medellín Cartel throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Some Colombian historians believe the Medellín Cartel, under infamous leader Pablo Escobar, was responsible for killing more than 10,000 people in Colombia, according to The Associated Press.

Ochoa, a former drug lord and associate of Escobar with the Medellín Cartel, became a billionaire in the 80s. He played a significant role in smuggling cocaine from Colombia to the United States and other markets. Ochoa denies killing anyone –– a claim that victims of the Medellín Cartel’s violence refuse to believe.

In 1990, Ochoa and his brothers surrendered to Colombian authorities. He served nearly six years in a Colombian prison before his release in 1996. Authorities arrested Ochoa again in 1999, along with other drug lords, and extradited him to the U.S. in 2001. In 2003, he was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Now that Ochoa is back in Colombia, victims of Medellín Cartel crimes are voicing concerns about his freedom.

Carlos Fernando Galán, the mayor of Bogotá, is the son of Luis Carlos Galán, a presidential candidate killed by cartel hitmen hired by Escobar in 1989. Galán posted a message on X, stating it was “unacceptable” that Ochoa was not facing any charges in Colombia related to Medellín Cartel crimes.

Ochoa spoke to journalists at the airport, telling them U.S. prosecutors had framed him. He also said he had already “done his time” in a Colombian prison in the 1990s.
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Drug lord Fabio Ochoa Vásquez released from US prison after 25 years

December 5, 2024
Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, a former drug lord with the Medellín Cartel, was released from a U.S. prison on Tuesday, Dec. 3, after serving 25 years. The 67-year-old is expected to be deported back to his home country of Colombia.

Ochoa, along with his two brothers, became billionaires in the 1980s by running a cocaine distribution operation out of Miami. He was also a former associate of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

He was originally named in an indictment in the U.S. for the 1986 murder of Barry Seal, a drug-smuggling pilot for the Medellín Cartel who became an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In 1990, Ochoa and his brothers surrendered to Colombian authorities. At the time, Colombia did not have an extradition treaty with the United States, so the brothers were promised they would not be turned over to U.S. authorities.

Ochoa served nearly six years in a Colombian prison and was released in 1996. He was arrested again in Colombia in 1999, along with dozens of other drug lords. Colombian authorities then agreed to extradite him to the United States in 2001.

In 2003, Ochoa was convicted of drug trafficking and cocaine distribution and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Richard Gregorie, one of the prosecutors who helped convict Ochoa, told The Associated Press that authorities were never able to seize all of his family’s illicit drug proceeds and said he expects Ochoa to have a “welcome return home.”

“He won’t be retiring a poor man, that’s for sure,” Gregorie told the AP.

Ochoa’s character was also featured in the Netflix drama series “Narcos and Griselda.”
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Massive Australian cocaine bust reveals smuggling routes growing in Pacific

December 2, 2024
Authorities on two continents have made significant strides in the fight against the global cocaine trade. Australia and Columbia seized record amounts of drugs and uncovering sophisticated smuggling operations.

In Australia, a disabled fishing boat led to the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. In Columbia, officials intercepted “narco subs,” highlighting a growing Pacific trafficking route aimed at high-demand markets.

Australia

Australian police intercepted 2.3 tons of cocaine off the coast of Queensland Saturday, Nov. 29. It was the largest cocaine bust in the nation’s history.

Authorities said drug runners smuggled the drugs from South America aboard a fishing boat. Officials said the drugs are valued at 760 million Australian dollars ($494 million).

The operation followed a tip about the Comancheros motorcycle gang and a monthlong investigation. Police said the smugglers made two failed attempts to transport the drugs from a “mothership” stationed in international waters.

Authorities arrested 13 people, including two minors. Some were arrested at sea, while others were detained onshore. They said the arrest happened while the suspects were waiting to collect the shipment.

The suspects face charges of conspiring to import drugs by sea, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Police Commander Stephen Jay said Australia’s high demand and high street prices for cocaine make it a lucrative target for organized crime.

Columbia

In Colombia, police seized six “narco subs” carrying cocaine during the week of Nov. 25. Authorities said this was part of a six-week operation involving 62 countries.

“Operation Orion” resulted in the capture of 1,400 metric tons of drugs, including 225 tons of cocaine and 128 tons of marijuana.

One semisubmersible vessel, intercepted in the Pacific Ocean, carried five tons of cocaine destined for Australia. Officials said the craft could travel up to 10,000 miles without refueling, indicating new trafficking routes targeting Australia, where cocaine sells for up to $370,000 per kilogram.

Colombian authorities said cartels have evolved into global networks, collaborating across continents to smuggle drugs to Europe, the U.S., and Oceania. Authorities arrested more than 400 people during the operation. They said the operation also revealed increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.

Narco subs, first used by Colombian cartels in the 1990s, remain a primary method for transporting large quantities of drugs. Colombia, the world’s largest producer of cocaine, set records last year in production and coca cultivation. Australia, with the highest per capita cocaine use globally, is a key destination for traffickers.
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Panama deports migrants on US-funded flights, sends 29 Colombians home

August 20, 2024
Panama’s government announced on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that it deported 29 Colombians on the first deportation flight funded by the United States government. The move is part of an agreement made in July between Panama and the U.S.

The deportation flight falls in line with Panama’s new president, Jose Raul Mulino, who vowed during his campaign to stop migrants from passing through the dangerous Darien Gap, a deadly jungle corridor linking South and Central America.

In July, Mulino’s government installed barbed wire along the route that has become a key passageway for hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers heading to the United States. It is also the path the now-deported Colombians used.

However, the vast majority of migrants coming through the region are from Venezuela. Panama is not currently able to deport Venezuelans because it has suspended diplomatic relations with Venezuela while President Nicolas Maduro clings to power following a controversial election.

The Biden administration believes Panama’s efforts will slow illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and human smuggling operations.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro previously criticized the measures Panama is taking to curb illegal immigration, arguing the measures do not address the root cause of forced migration, like economic challenges. He contends the real solution is to remove economic blockades and improve the economies of countries in the region.
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Chaos at Copa America final prompts security concerns for 2026 World Cup

July 15, 2024
Local authorities in Miami, Florida, vowed to review and improve security protocols after thousands of ticketless fans stormed the gates of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday, July 14. The resulting chaos caused officials to delay the start of the game 75 minutes as police and security fought to get the crowd under control.

As people attempted to access the stadium, security teams removed players from the field and thousands of fans already inside had to wait as a delay ensued. Police reportedly arrested several people, and several others sustained injuries during the incident.

Miami Mayor Daniella Levine Cava condemned the fans’ actions. Large groups of people pushed through gates, hopped fences and reportedly trampled other people to avoid police and security.

Officials assigned 550 officers to the match with a predicted crowd of more than 65,000 fans. Sunday’s incident during the Copa America final raised security concerns about the venue’s ability to handle crowds during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Organizers selected the Hard Rock Stadium to host matches during the event.

Eventually, security teams brought the crowd under control and fans could safely enter the stadium. Players returned to the field and the match began.

Argentina ultimately came out victorious, beating Colombia 1-0 to win its 16th Copa America title.
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Panama installs barbed wire at Darién Gap amid migrant surge

July 12, 2024

Panama installed barbed wire along the Darién Gap to strengthen border security amid a surge of migrants heading to the U.S. The move follows an agreement with the U.S. to manage migration through the jungle corridor. Newly inaugurated President José Raúl Mulino is committed to closing this major pathway for migrants.

Despite the new barriers, many migrants continued on the journey. Recent videos and reports from smugglers indicate that traditional routes are still being used, with migrants finding ways to bypass the barriers, including crawling through tunnels under the fences.

The Panamanian government maintained one official crossing point where migrants must show identification. The Ministry of Public Security, which oversees the barriers, stated that these measures are part of a broader effort to manage migration flows and combat organized crime.

Los alambres de púas en la selva somo traerán ahogados en el mar.

La migración se frena quitando bloqueos económicos y mejorando la economía del sur https://t.co/1EFya16cn0
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) July 9, 2024

Critics, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, argue that the new measures do not address the root causes of migration, like economic challenges. Petro warned that the barriers might lead migrants to take even more dangerous routes, increasing the risk of injury or death. He emphasized that true solutions require removing economic blockades and improving the economies of southern nations.

According to Panama’s latest figures, more than 174,000 migrants crossed the Darién Gap in the first six months of 2024.
US, Panama reach deal to shut down Darién Gap, launch deportation flights

July 5, 2024

Panama is taking decisive action to address migration challenges in the Americas. Newly inaugurated President José Raúl Mulino has committed to curbing the flow of migrants through the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle corridor linking South and Central America. It has become a key route for hundreds of thousands of migrants heading to the U.S.

In a landmark move, Mulino’s administration signed a bilateral agreement with the United States. Panama will increase its border security and shut down the route. In exchange, the U.S. will finance the repatriation of migrants entering Panama illegally.

“I won’t allow Panama to be an open path for thousands of people who enter our country illegally, supported by an international organization related to drug trafficking and human trafficking,” Mulino said during his inauguration.

The Darién Gap is notorious for its dense jungle and lawlessness, making it a dangerous yet popular route for migrants. To strengthen Panama’s ability to enforce its immigration laws, the U.S. will provide logistical and technical assistance, including equipping and training Panamanian officials.

For migrants set to be removed, the U.S. will cover the cost of charter or commercial flights, though the government has not shared the price tag for these tickets.

The White House said its focus is on reducing illegal crossings while respecting the rights and safety of individuals.

“By returning such individuals to their country of origin, we will help deter irregular migration in the region and at our Southern border, and halt the enrichment of malign smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable migrants,” the Biden administration said is a press release.

More than 170,000 migrants crossed the Darién Gap in the first five months of this year, according to Panama’s migration agency. This figure is 2% higher than the nearly 167,000 who made the same journey last year, indicating that 2024 could once again set new records.

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