Part 8/15:

In Panama, particularly in Necoclí, migrants find themselves at the mercy of local authorities and criminal groups. Those who arrive are often exhausted, having had belongings stolen or being robbed during transit, especially in border towns. Some families report being robbed of everything—including their personal belongings—by organized groups operating at the borders.

Many migrants opt to pay for passage on illegal boats or trucks to reach Costa Rica or beyond. Authorities and border patrols are generally uncooperative or actively obstruct efforts, making the journey even riskier. For instance, some cross the border secretly through underregulated routes or are forced to hide from police to avoid detention and deportation.