Colombia Strikes a Blow to Darien Gap Migrant Smugglers

On February 23, 2024, Colombian authorities arrested two boat captains suspected of migrant smuggling in the small port city of Necocli, on the Caribbean coast. This port, along with the town of Turbo, has been used for several years by migrants to cross the Gulf of Uraba and reach the Darien Gap jungle, marking the start of their long journey toward the United States.  

In response to the judicial action, the six ferry companies operating in Necocli and Turbo have suspended their operations at least until February 29, for fear of being prosecuted for human trafficking. Although this crackdown might temporarily reduce migrant flows, thousands of people are now stranded in the Caribbean communities.

Migrant smuggling business in Colombia

For years now, Colombia has been the starting point of the migration route to the United States. While Colombia is grappling with this phenomenon, as it presents several challenges related to human rights and safety, some individuals have exploited the situation for their gain.

Indeed, migrant smuggling is a very lucrative business. Consider these facts: A crossing costs $40 (around 160,000 COP) per person, and a single boat can transport up to 2,000 people a day. As such, migrant smuggling can generate tens of thousands of dollars daily.

These shady activities are directly controlled and organized by local political and business figures. For instance, the head of one of the Necocli ferry companies involved, Katamaranes, is none other than a mayoral candidate.

United States pressure

The recent operation came in the wake of increasing pressure from the United States for Colombia to crack down on smugglers and stem the flow of migrants. In recent years, the number of people crossing the Darien jungle has surged, rising from 130,000 in 2021 to more than 500,000 last year.

The United States is closely cooperating with their Colombian counterparts to address the issue. Recently, the Commander of the US Marine Corps South announced the upcoming delivery of small vessels to help the Colombian army tackle illegal activities, including illegal immigration.

Limited solutions to Darien Gap migrants

While the prosecution of boat captains has temporarily halted migrants’ efforts to reach North America, the long-term effects are very limited.

Currently, around 1,600 people cross the Panamanian border every day, mainly Venezuelans, but also Ecuadorians, Colombians, Haitians, and even Chinese.

It is unlikely that these measures will stop people from trying to reach the United States, as poverty, political instability and the dream of making a fortune are the main drivers behind this phenomenon.

Furthermore, as mentioned, local Colombian figures are unlikely to abandon their multimillion-dollar business easily. The six ferry companies operating from Necocli and Turbo have stopped all their activities in protest against the arrest of the captains. They are expected to reunite with Colombian authorities today, February 29, 2024, to negotiate and try to find a compromise.

For now, thousands of migrants are stuck in the coastal cities of Necocli, Turbo, Apartado and Chigorodo, further burdening these small cities with problems that go far beyond their capacity.