The Path to Safety

SPANISH

Each year, tens of thousands of people leave their home countries in search of safety from violence or persecution. For many asylum seekers, however, the journey to a better life is filled with unimaginable risks and dangers.

In South America, asylum seekers often embark on the perilous route between Colombia and Panama, known as the Darien Gap. Families and individuals traversing this once-impassable stretch of dense jungle risk dehydration, venomous snake encounters, drownings, and attacks from criminal groups. In Mexico, vulnerable families seeking to escape violent cartels cling to the side and huddle together on top of the notorious freight train known as "La Bestia" (The Beast). Passengers are exposed to freezing temperatures at night and scorching heat during the day.

Tragically, not all who embark on these treacherous paths will reach their final destination. Those who do must prepare to face countless more barriers and challenges both at the border and within the United States. With our local partners, we welcome families and individuals seeking asylum and we advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable newcomers.

Explore the common paths and stops people make on their journey to safety.

CWS staff visit to the Darien Gap

According to the immigration authorities in Panama, more than 70 nationalities pass through the Darien Gap.
The few belongings that they manage to rescue from their journey through the Darién arrive wet and swampy.
The Darién National Park is the largest in Central America.
Lines of people waiting to receive clothing and food donations in Lajas Blancas, Darien, Panama.
Migrants arrive at Las Lajas, in the Darien province, in Panama, with their clothes wet and full of mud.
Migrants arrive at Las Lajas, in the Darien province, in Panama, with their clothes wet and full of mud.
The Darien region occupies 13 of the territories of Panama.
From January to October 2022, more than 32,000 boys and girls crossed the Darien Gap with their families.
After managing to cross the Darien jungle, many people lose the few belongings they had, they even arrive barefoot. Darien, Panama.
Migrants arrive at Las Lajas, in the Darien province, in Panama, with their clothes wet and full of mud.
After managing to cross the Darien jungle, many people lose the few belongings they had, they even arrive barefoot. Darien, Panama.
From January to October 2022, some 211,355 migrants crossed the Darién Pass, in Panama.
Lajas Blancas area, in the province of Darién, Panama, where thousands of migrants set up their makeshift camps.
Migrants arriving
Children

Photos: Monica Arango/CWS and Annalee Giesbrecht/Mennonite Central Committee.

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