Caitlin Dickerson, a staff writer for The Atlantic, and Lynsey Addario, an acclaimed photographer, delve into the harrowing journey through the Darién Gap. They recount the physical and emotional trials faced by families, including a poignant story of a mother coping with loss. The duo highlights how dangerous migration routes are exacerbated by U.S. immigration policies and cartels exploiting the vulnerable. Their firsthand experiences paint a vivid picture of desperation, revealing the diverse backgrounds of those fleeing persecution.
The Darien Gap is an incredibly dangerous migration route, with harsh conditions that challenge families and individuals from various countries fleeing crisis.
U.S. immigration policies unintentionally increase the risks migrants face, pushing them towards more perilous pathways and exacerbating human suffering along their journey.
Deep dives
The Perils of the Darien Gap
The Darien Gap, a treacherous 70-mile stretch between Colombia and Panama, poses severe dangers to migrants attempting to journey north. It features dense jungles, rocky terrain, rushing rivers, and frequent flash floods, making the trek perilous, especially for families. For instance, a Venezuelan father carrying his two-year-old son experienced moments of exhaustion, with the child nearly suffering from heat exhaustion during the trip. This reflects the harsh conditions faced by migrants who often operate on minimal provisions like food and water while navigating this daunting path.
The Diverse Migrant Population
The migrant population traversing the Darien Gap encompasses individuals from various countries, not just South America. While a significant number hail from Venezuela, others come from places like China, Ethiopia, and India, fleeing from circumstances such as political persecution and economic collapse. For example, some migrants have faced situations where their homes were seized or were compelled to leave due to deteriorating living conditions in their host countries. This broad representation highlights the myriad challenges migrants face regardless of their origin, suggesting that migration is driven by urgent needs rather than mere desires for better opportunities.
The Role of Cartels in Migration
Criminal organizations have capitalized on the perilous journey through the Darien Gap, profiting from the desperation of migrants. Their tactics include creating a demand for their services after deterrent policies reduce safe passage options led by locals. Notably, cartels now actively promote their routes on social media, misleading potential migrants into believing the journey will be manageable. Such exploitation ensures that as more migrants embark on the journey, the cartels benefit financially, which contributes to the ongoing cycle of danger and suffering.
The Human Cost of Migration Policies
Current immigration policies seem to exacerbate the dangers and challenges migrants face, rather than alleviate them. For instance, U.S. deterrent strategies inadvertently push individuals toward higher-risk routes, often resulting in a higher death toll in the Darien Gap. Despite efforts like asylum offices aimed at alleviating pressure, they fall short of addressing the number of individuals willing to undertake the journey, emphasizing a disconnect between policy intentions and on-ground realities. The tragic story of a Vietnamese mother searching for her son lost in the jungle exemplifies the human toll these policies create, revealing how families are left to navigate grief and uncertainty amid dire circumstances.
The Darién Gap is one of the most dangerous migrant routes in the world and the only way to get to the U.S. from South America by land. But despite the risks, more and more people — including children — are braving the 70-mile stretch of harsh terrain. Atlantic staff writer Caitlin Dickerson and photographer Lynsey Addario recently made the trek with several families to show just how treacherous it is on the ground. Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu spoke with Dickerson about what she saw — and how U.S. immigration policy has created more risks for people every step of the way.
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