Latin American migrants are increasingly deciding against crossing into the United States, expressing regret over their attempts. The U.S.-Mexico border has seen a significant decrease in activity, with encounters by Border Patrol dropping to levels not observed in many years.
This decline is being attributed to the “Trump effect,” where strict enforcement policies and the reduction of government services have dissuaded many migrants from making the journey.
Karla Castillo, a Venezuelan national, candidly shared her regrets about leaving Chile to enter the U.S. “My goal was to get to the United States and then bring my children, but they closed the border, and it could not be done,” she explained. Castillo now plans to return to Venezuela, hoping to eventually make her way back to Chile.
John Orozco, another Venezuelan, has also given up on crossing the southern border. He lived in Mexico for six months, trying to secure an appointment through the CBP One app, which has since been canceled. Orozco, much like Castillo, is now considering Chile as his next destination in search of better opportunities.
The majority of migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. are ultimately denied, highlighting the fact that many are economic migrants rather than victims of persecution.
A Department of Homeland Security official noted that around 80% of asylum seekers are rejected and sent back. This statistic underscores the economic motivations driving many migrants to attempt the journey northward.
Evidence of migrants abandoning their attempts to reach the U.S. is visible in the Darien Gap, a challenging jungle region in Colombia and Panama.
At the peak of the migrant crisis, over half a million people crossed the Darien, but recent numbers have plummeted. In January 2025, only 2,159 illegal crossings were recorded, a dramatic drop compared to January 2024.
Allan Baitel, a Panamanian citizen, commented on the situation, stating, “People are less inclined to go through the Darien when they know they’re likely to be sent back home.” The allure of reaching the U.S. has diminished, leading many to reconsider their plans. This shift in migrant behavior aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to fortify the border.
The administration’s measures include deploying troops along the southern border and persuading Mexico to enhance its own security efforts. Additionally, construction of the border wall has resumed, and the CBP One app, once a popular tool for migrants, has been terminated. These actions have contributed to the sharp decline in attempted crossings.
Facilities known as Safe Mobility Offices, established by the previous administration, have been defunded, making it harder for migrants to apply for asylum. As a result, many migrants are choosing to return south instead of pressing on toward the U.S. border. Smugglers are now reportedly charging migrants to transport them back through the Darien.
This reverse migratory flow has prompted Central American governments to take action. Panama and Costa Rica have agreed to transfer migrants returning south to shelters along the border. From there, they will be sent back to their countries of origin via aircraft provided by the U.S.
The Costa Rican government expressed its commitment to ensuring a “legal, humanitarian, and safe migratory flow.” This agreement marks the beginning of coordinated efforts to facilitate the return of migrants under adequate conditions. As the southward migration trend continues, Panama is also exploring direct repatriation flights to Venezuela.
Despite lacking diplomatic relations with Venezuela, Panama’s Foreign Ministry is working to establish the necessary contacts to facilitate the return of Venezuelan nationals. Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, emphasized the importance of these efforts. They aim to streamline the process for migrants choosing to return to their home countries.
The changing migration patterns reflect the impact of current U.S. policies on migrant behavior. As enforcement tightens, many are reconsidering their options and opting to head back south. These developments highlight the ongoing complexities of the migration crisis and the multifaceted responses it necessitates.
