Record High: Over 400,000 Migrants Brave Panama's Darien Gap Crossing

The number of migrants crossing the dangerous Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia has reached a record high of 400,000 in the year to September, with over half of them being children and babies. Most of the migrants are from Venezuela, with others coming from Ecuador, Haiti, and other countries. Despite efforts by Panama, the United States, and Colombia to curb the flow of undocumented immigration, the number of crossings continues to increase. Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency, and the United States has implemented tougher measures to deter illegal crossings, but the early deterrent effect appears to be wearing off. Some migrants are now flying into Nicaragua to bypass the dangers of the Darien Gap.