Dozens of Venezuelan Migrants Stuck at Costa Rica-Panama Border Seek Passage Home

Dozens of Venezuelan migrants are stranded at the Costa Rica-Panama border, unable to return home as they plead for transit permission through Panama.

The migrants, who once sought to reach the United States, were blocked by tighter immigration policies under President Donald Trump, including the shutdown of the CBP One program and increased deportations.

On Tuesday (February 11), a group attempted to cross into Panama but was stopped by Panamanian authorities and sent back to Costa Rica, according to local media.

Migrants Plead for Assistance

Among them is Daniela Romero, who now hopes to return to Venezuela.

📢 "We did not make it, and well, here we are, wanting to return to our country and asking the authorities and everyone to help us," she said.

Currently, neither Panama nor Costa Rica has diplomatic ties with Venezuela, complicating official deportations.

Panama and Costa Rica Seek Repatriation Plan

Despite challenges, authorities have agreed to transfer reverse-flow migrants to shelters, with plans for eventual repatriation by air or sea.

📜 Panama’s Ministry of Public Security said this will be coordinated “under the memorandum of understanding with the U.S.”

A Dangerous Alternative: The Darien Gap

For those unable to secure repatriation, the only option is crossing Panama’s Darien Gap, a perilous jungle route known for:
⚠ Robberies and extortion
⚠ Violence and kidnappings
⚠ Sexual assaults against migrants

The fate of the stranded Venezuelans remains uncertain as they await a resolution from local authorities and potential U.S.-led repatriation efforts.

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