Front Burner
A dispatch from the perilous Darién Gap
Oct 8, 2024
Caitlin Dickerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Atlantic, delves into her gripping experiences in the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle route frequented by migrants risking everything to reach the U.S. She shares harrowing tales of families, especially children, facing extreme dangers in their quest for safety. The discussion highlights the complex migration landscape, including the influence of organized crime and misconceptions surrounding migration. Dickerson emphasizes the urgent need to humanize migrant stories amidst a polarized immigration debate.
25:37
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Quick takeaways
- The Darién Gap, a treacherous jungle crossing, has become a perilous route for migrants risking their lives to reach the U.S.
- The polarized U.S. political landscape on immigration, featuring stark contrasts between Trump and Harris, complicates the search for humane solutions.
Deep dives
The Increasing Attraction of the Darien Gap
The Darien Gap, once considered impassable, is now a common route for migrants seeking to reach the United States due to the rise in global displacement. This route is extremely dangerous, characterized by harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and threats of violence, resulting in many casualties. In 2022 alone, over half a million people attempted the crossing, with a significant number being Venezuelans fleeing political instability. The growing number of migrants is reflective of broader global crises, including climate change and political oppression, pushing people to take perilous journeys as safer routes have become increasingly restricted.
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