Panama, Colombia agree to restrict flow of migrants

Officials of Panama and Colombia have agreed to restrict the growing flows of migrants, mainly Cubans and Haitians, that have been crossing the Darien Gap between the two countries

SAN VICENTE, Panama -- Officials of Panama and Colombia agreed Friday to restrict the growing flows of migrants, mainly Cubans and Haitians, who have been crossing the Darien Gap that marks the border between the two countries. The foreign ministers of both countries said they will announce a target number for migrants next week. The figure will be determined at a meeting in Colombia Monday between both countries’ security and immigration officials. So far this year, Panama estimates about 49,000 migrants have come through the dangerous, jungle-clad gap. Officials estimate about 16% of them are children or youths. Both countries said they will also cooperate to prosecute criminal gangs that rob migrants and traffic drugs through the largely roadless area.