Santiago Vanegas, a BBC Mundo journalist, shares gripping insights from his coverage of Venezuelan migrants navigating a perilous return home through Central America. He highlights their struggles, particularly focusing on Adrianiela, a young mother facing the dangers of the Darien Gap with her toddler. Vanegas sheds light on health risks, threats from gangs, and the psychological toll of their journey. Additionally, he critiques the inadequate government responses and the harsh realities of migrant detention in Panama, painting a vivid picture of their dire circumstances.
Venezuelan migrants like Adrianiela face perilous journeys and strict U.S. immigration policies, often leading to their vulnerability in Mexico.
The detention of Iranian and Afghan migrants in Panama highlights significant human rights concerns and the complexities of current migration policies.
Deep dives
The Journey of Venezuelan Migrants
Many Venezuelans are fleeing their country due to its ongoing economic and political crisis, with nearly 8 million having left since 2014. One notable story is that of a young woman named Adrianiela, who traveled with her two-year-old daughter, attempting to reach the U.S. but ultimately faced the dangers of the Darien Gap, a perilous jungle corridor. The journey involved walking for several days, and despite surviving the treacherous conditions, they reached the border only to find their path into the U.S. blocked by strict immigration policies initiated by the Trump administration. Faced with limited options, Adrianiela and others like her were left stranded and vulnerable in Mexico, prompting some to consider returning to Venezuela instead.
Challenges and Risks of Returning
After deciding to return home, Adrianiela encountered numerous challenges, including hostile border conditions and exorbitant fees to secure transportation back to Venezuela. Many migrants resorted to using unsafe boats to cross from Panama to Colombia, with reports of unsafe conditions during transit, including overcrowding and reckless behavior by boat operators. Tragically, incidents have occurred where migrants, including children, lost their lives during these voyages, highlighting the severe risks faced by those trying to escape their dire circumstances. This reverse migration often leaves individuals without access to returning home safely, as many do not have support or funds for the journey.
Legal and Humanitarian Complications
A separate group of migrants, including individuals from Iran and Afghanistan, faced expulsion from the U.S. after crossing the southern border illegally, ultimately being sent to Panama under an agreement between U.S. and Panamanian authorities. Their detention in Panama was marked by significant human rights concerns, as they were held without legal recourse and in poor conditions, raising alarms from organizations like Human Rights Watch. Although some migrants were granted short-term humanitarian visas, they remain in precarious situations with no clear path forward, struggling with language barriers and lack of resources. The complexity of their circumstances further sheds light on the broader issues surrounding migration policies and the fate of those seeking asylum.
On his first day as president, Donald Trump signed an executive order shutting down the asylum system at the US-Mexico border. He also promised huge changes to the US immigration system, including arrests and mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
Santiago Vanegas from BBC Mundo has been following a group of Venezuelans who are trying to go back to their home country, undertaking a dangerous journey through Central America. Plus, Gopal Kateshiya visits some Kutchi bhungas, traditional mud houses that not only help people stay cool, they can also save lives during an earthquake. His piece was published on BBC Gujarati.
Presented by Faranak Amidi
Produced by Alice Gioia and Hannah Dean
