In a striking video report by the Center for Immigration Studies, tribal chiefs from the Embera-Wounaan community in Panama have expressed their outrage over U.S. border policies that they believe are fueling a wave of mass migration through their territories. Todd Bensman, the Center’s National Security Fellow, traveled to the remote Darien Gap—a dense jungle along the Panama-Colombia border—to interview all five Embera chiefs, who unanimously condemned the impact of increased migration on their traditional way of life.
The Embera leaders highlighted several critical issues arising from the mass migration. They noted that the influx of migrants has led to the erosion of their tribal culture, as well as the emergence of serious social problems, including drug and alcohol abuse among their people. Additionally, the chiefs reported significant environmental damage caused by the migrants, who leave behind open sewage and waste that has contaminated the rivers, once a vital source of clean water for the tribe.
Their frustrations extend beyond just the migrant situation. The tribal leaders also criticized international organizations, including the United Nations and various NGOs, for facilitating the mass illegal migration without considering its detrimental effects on their communities. The chiefs feel abandoned and neglected by these entities, which they believe have failed to address the challenges that migration brings to their way of life.
Despite their discontent, there is a glimmer of hope among the Embera chiefs in the form of Panama’s newly elected President, Raul José Mulino. He has pledged to take measures to close the Darien Gap to mass illegal migration. However, skepticism lingers within the tribal community, as they believe that the root of the problem lies with U.S. leadership and policy decisions that have altered migration patterns since 2021.
Chief Cunampia, one of the tribal leaders, articulated the sentiments of his fellow chiefs with a direct message to the U.S. government: “Shut down the border.” This call reflects a growing demand among indigenous leaders for decisive action to address the challenges posed by migration and to protect their communities from further degradation.
As the situation evolves, the Embera-Wounaan chiefs remain vigilant, hoping for meaningful changes that would restore their environment and safeguard their cultural identity from the adverse effects of mass migration. Their plight underscores the complex interconnections between U.S. border policies, international migration, and the rights of indigenous communities facing the repercussions.