In a stark revelation of the ongoing border crisis, Todd Bensman’s latest report for the WarRoom from Panama’s Darien Gap exposes a critical failure in U.S. immigration strategy. The Darien Gap, a treacherous route connecting Colombia and Panama, serves as a crucial chokepoint through which over 1.5 million migrants from diverse regions, including Muslim-majority countries and Africa, traverse en route to the U.S. border.

Bensman highlights the strategic importance of this region, noting, “This is a bottleneck migration route,” where migrants from all corners of the globe—including 60,000 Chinese nationals—must pass through. The situation presents a significant national security concern, exacerbated by the recent capture of terrorists among the migrants. “The Panamanians have rounded up several terrorists who were on the FBI’s watch list,” Bensman reports, emphasizing the gravity of the threat.

Amid this crisis, Panama’s new president, Raul Molino, has pledged to close the Darien Gap and implement a policy of deportation rather than catch-and-release. However, Bensman criticizes the U.S. response to this opportunity: “Where are the Americans? They’re gone. You promised us aid and assistance, and there’s nothing going on with that.” Molino’s frustration underscores the critical lapse in U.S. follow-through on promises of support, jeopardizing a golden opportunity to enhance border security.

Bensman further criticizes the U.S. diplomatic approach, noting that without effective measures such as sanctions or visa restrictions, transit countries like Colombia lack the motivation to cooperate. He suggests that, “The U.S. needs to threaten sanctions or close off visas to incentivize these countries to act.”

The broader implications of this neglect are profound.

The failure to act decisively in the Darien Gap not only endangers U.S. national security but also undermines the potential for resolving the immigration crisis. Bensman states, "Without decisive action, the migration crisis will continue to escalate.”

This oversight reflects a larger trend of inadequate responses to emerging threats, highlighting a critical need to reevaluate U.S. immigration and foreign policy. With the Darien Gap presenting a significant opportunity to curb illegal migration and bolster national security, the current inaction is a glaring misstep in the ongoing battle over U.S. borders.

For more context, watch Todd Bensman’s report from Tuesday:

Bensman: New Panamanian President Promises To Close Darien Gap And Catch And Deport Migrants