The promotion of alleged 'safe routes' to cross the Darién jungle is not only misleading but is part of a criminal business that plays with the lives of thousands of migrants. This was warned by Rafael Rodríguez, president of the Association of Residents and Naturalized in Panama (ARENA), after a video circulated on social networks where alleged coyotes are selling a new route from Colombia to Panama as if it were a tourist package. 'This is extremely concerning.' The president of ARENA also pointed out a little-discussed risk: the infiltration of people linked to criminal activities within these irregular flows. He warned that among these groups, 'people with a criminal past who are sought in their countries of origin move, taking advantage of these routes to escape and possibly settle in Panama.' Faced with this scenario, Rodríguez was direct in proposing what he considers an urgent response from the Panamanian state. 'A firm and coordinated action is required: strengthen the investigation and sanctioning of these networks, monitor their promotion on social networks, and at the same time, launch information campaigns to prevent more people from falling for these scams,' he noted. To this, he added the need to strengthen legal migration channels and maintain constant vigilance by the authorities. 'The authorities of the Ministry of Security must give permanent follow-up to this issue to guarantee the safety of both nationals and foreigners residing in the country,' he concluded. The statements come amid growing concern over how human trafficking networks are using digital platforms to sell illegal routes, building a narrative of 'safety' that contrasts with the reality of one of the most dangerous migration crossings on the continent. Official data indicates that the migratory flow through the Darién plummeted drastically under the current administration, dropping from over 520,000 migrants in 2023 to 302,000 in 2024, and falling to just 3,091 people in 2025, representing a reduction of nearly 99%, according to figures released by the government itself. This pronouncement comes in a context in which the government has assured a drastic drop in the migratory flow through the Darién. Despite the drop in official figures, the appearance of these new routes promoted on social networks suggests that the human trafficking business has not disappeared but has adapted. 'There are no 'safe routes' in the hands of illegal networks; what there is is a high risk of abuse, trafficking, and loss of life,' stated Rodríguez, making it clear that behind the discourse there is a real danger. The leader also sounded the alarms about the possible participation of Panamanians in these criminal structures, an element that further aggravates the situation. 'Yes, it is very concerning. They are profiting from the desperation of people and spreading a false sense of security. This type of situation tends to generalize and stigmatize, when the vast majority of migrants in Panama are working people, who comply with the law and contribute to the country's development,' he emphasized. But the criticism did not stop there. 'This is a crime that does not distinguish nationality, but it is especially serious when citizens of the country participate, because it weakens trust and feeds criminal structures that affect all of society,' he maintained. Rodríguez warned that this phenomenon not only impacts security but also directly affects those who have migrated legally. 'Unfortunately, yes, it does.'
