Julie Turkewitz, the Andes bureau chief for The New York Times, shares gripping insights on migration through the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle path. She details the alarming rise in migrant crossings, driven by the pandemic and economic turmoil. Focused on a mother and daughter, Turkewitz chronicles their emotional and physical challenges as they brave the treacherous journey in search of safety and family. The discussion also highlights the broader humanitarian crises shaping migration policies across the Americas.
The Darién Gap, a perilous strip of land connecting South and Central America, sees a significant increase in migrants due to economic downturn and traffickers advertising the journey as an option.
Migrants crossing the Darién Gap face extreme dangers and risks in search of economic stability, political safety, and better opportunities, highlighting the dire circumstances in their home countries and the limited options available to them.
Deep dives
The Darien Gap: A Treacherous Journey
The podcast explores the perilous trek through the Darien Gap, a narrow strip of land between Colombia and Panama. This jungle territory presents extreme dangers, including deadly animals, bugs, snakes, and fast-running rivers. Over the years, the number of migrants crossing this land has dramatically increased, with nearly 250,000 people crossing in 2022. The rise in migration can be attributed to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic in South America and traffickers advertising the journey as an option. The podcast provides firsthand accounts of the arduous journey and the heartbreaking separation of families.
A Mother's Hope: Reuniting in Panama
The podcast follows the story of Alexandra and her six-year-old daughter, Sarah, as they make the treacherous journey through the Darien Gap. Alexandra, a lawyer from Venezuela, had to leave her home due to the economic collapse. Along the journey, Alexandra becomes separated from Sarah and is unsure if her daughter is alive. After days of searching, they are fortunately reunited in Panama, but their journey to the United States is far from over. Alexandra's hope lies in a humanitarian parole program, but she faces challenges in securing a sponsor. Their current situation is marked by instability and poverty.
A Calculated Risk: Increasing Migration through the Darien Gap
The podcast sheds light on the unprecedented increase in migrants crossing the Darien Gap. With a record of nearly 500,000 people crossing in a year, individuals from various countries are risking their lives in search of economic stability, political safety, and better opportunities. Despite the known dangers, many migrants are willing to take the risk in pursuit of potential rewards. The situation highlights the dire circumstances in home countries and the limited options available to migrants. The podcast warns about the ongoing risks and challenges faced by those attempting to navigate this treacherous route.
This week, The Daily is revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and checking in on what has happened in the time since they first ran.
With mountains, intense mud, fast-running rivers and thick rainforest, the Darién Gap, a strip of terrain connecting South and Central America, is one of the most dangerous places on the planet.
Over the past few years, there has been an enormous increase in the number of migrants passing through the perilous zone in the hopes of getting to the United States.
Today, we hear the story of one family that’s risking everything to make it across.
Guest: Julie Turkewitz, the Andes bureau chief for The New York Times
Background reading:
Listen to the original version of the episode here.
Two crises are converging at the Darién Gap: an economic and humanitarian disaster underway in South America and the bitter fight over immigration policy in Washington.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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