PANAMA CITY — José Raúl Mulino was inaugurated on Monday as Panama’s new president, assuming office amid increasing pressure to curb irregular migration through the challenging Darien Gap, which connects his country with Colombia.

The 65-year-old former security minister has vowed to halt the influx of migrants through the dense, lawless jungle border. Last year, more than half a million people crossed this corridor, with over 190,000 already passing through in 2024, primarily originating from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China.

“I will not allow Panama to serve as an unregulated pathway for thousands entering our nation illegally, aided by international organizations involved in drug and human trafficking,” Mulino declared in his inaugural address. “While I acknowledge the underlying causes of migration, each country must address its own challenges.”

Following Mulino’s inauguration, Panama’s government announced that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had signed a memorandum of understanding with Panama’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha. The agreement commits the U.S. to cover the costs of repatriating migrants who illegally enter Panama via the Darien Gap.

Last week, during a visit to the Darien, Mulino indicated his intention to secure such an agreement with the U.S., with Mayorkas among those attending his inauguration. The U.S. commitment primarily involves funding deportation flights, although specific amounts are yet to be finalized, according to Panama’s Foreign Affairs Minister-designate.

“Ending irregular immigration through the Darien Gap is a top priority on Mulino’s agenda,” noted Michael Shifter, adjunct professor at Georgetown University. “The new president appears firmly dedicated to achieving this goal.”

“However, implementing this policy won’t be straightforward. There are likely to be challenges from various groups and interests,” Shifter cautioned, highlighting the U.S. role in financing deportation expenses.

Panama’s proactive approach to intercepting and deporting migrants signifies a significant policy shift. Under the previous administration, Panama facilitated migrants’ swift and organized transit across the country, ensuring registration with authorities before onward travel to Costa Rica.

The presence of the presidents of Costa Rica and Colombia at the inauguration underscored regional cooperation on migration issues.

Intensifying enforcement efforts in Panama could potentially decrease migrant flows towards the U.S. border, at least temporarily, although it might redirect migrants towards riskier routes, benefiting human smugglers.

Mulino, who secured victory in May’s election with over 30% of the vote in a crowded field, succeeded former President Ricardo Martinelli after Martinelli was disqualified from running due to a money laundering conviction.

In addition to migration challenges, Mulino inherits the management of the Panama Canal, a crucial global trade artery hampered this year by persistent drought. He also faces the task of addressing budget shortfalls exacerbated by the cancellation of a major mining concession following widespread protests.

In his inaugural speech, Mulino criticized outgoing President Laurentino Cortizo’s administration for leaving behind a sluggish economy and high public debt.

“My administration will primarily focus on addressing the issues affecting the majority of Panamanians,” Mulino affirmed. “This isn’t about reducing wealth but combating poverty.”

He pledged to launch initiatives targeting youth employment and infrastructure development, including a comprehensive program to rehabilitate roads and highways.