Migrating to the US through the deadly Darien Gap | Fault Lines Documentary
Swanny Flores fled Ecuador with her two young daughters and 12-year-old brother after her boyfriend, a local gang leader, murdered her mother and threatened to kill the rest of her family.
She wants to apply for asylum in the United States, but the only way to get there is through the Darien Gap, a 106km (66-mile) stretch of remote and perilous jungle in Colombia and Panama that is the only land route for migrants heading north from South America.
Amid historic regional migration and new travel restrictions from countries in Central America for migrants, the Darien Gap has become one of the most travelled migration routes in the world and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis. Last year, more than half a million people went through the jungle. A quarter of them were children. This is the story of one family’s journey through the Darien Gap.
- Subscribe to our channel: aje.io/AJSubscribe
- Follow us on Twitter: / ajfaultlines
- Follow us on Facebook: / ajfaultlines
- Follow us on Instagram: / ajfaultlines
- Check our website: www.aljazeera.com/program/fau...
Credits:
Producer: Mark Scialla
Correspondent: John Holman
Directors of Photography: Rodrigo Galdos
Editor: Adi Haspel
Executive Producer: Laila Al-Arian
Additional Production: Luis del Valle
Special Thanks: Nico Jones
Fact-checking: Abdulai Bah
Digital Producer: Riham Mansour
#migration #documentary #US #asylum
#aljazeeraenglish
Пікірлер: 369
the 13 year old boy took care of that baby and got her safely out that jungle. what an incredible young man!
@TTOS69
Ай бұрын
How do you know it was the truth? You don't. You weren't there. Only he and that little girl was. He could have purposely ran off with her, assaulted her, then said his little armed story. The food could be gone bc he ate it. People quit making judgements based on one side of a story. That little girl could have been taken advantage of. She also could have not been taken advantage of. We weren't there; no one was. Great parenting btw to not keep you small daughter in your sight at least since you handed her off to another child...
@mariamorales2718
Ай бұрын
Muchas bendiciones para ti y tu familia...y a tu hermanito ayudalo que el esconde un gran dolor...
@BeALighthouse
Ай бұрын
Absolutely he is. So sad this has to happen.
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
@@mariamorales2718Dios me la bendiga ♥️
@ivanavila4987
Ай бұрын
@@TTOS69sounds like your projecting what you would have done in that situation
the way the little girl told her mom “don’t cry my love” “I’m going to get good grades for you to be happy” with full of innocence and hopeful make my eyes popped for crying, I hope America accept them.
Shame on the corrupt latin American governments
@blvckphillip3917
Ай бұрын
There are so many reasons why a road hasn't been constructed through this treacherous jungle. I just watched a really informative video about the logistical nightmare it would be, plus the diplomatic reasons. In order for Panama to remain Panama, and not be forced into conflict with neighboring Colombia? It makes sense to leave the Darien Gap as it is.
@Juann-ci5vh
9 күн бұрын
@@blvckphillip3917well there are multiple ways to look at it. I saw it as the Latin American government needs to provide better for it’s citizens, better jobs, a better life overall. Why do they feel the need to come to the US? Because their country doesn’t feel safe.
Just could not control my tears. We think our problems are bigger. Looking at these people gives goosebumps.
Hola buenas soy Swanny protagonista de este video ,me alegro mucho poder haber salido en esto video y que vean que la selva del Darién no es ruta no traigan a sus hijos a sufrir mis hijas h hermano todos sufrimos estamos Agradecido con Dios por haber llegado ya a mi destino 🥺
@soypipo4783
2 ай бұрын
Ah ok, como te llegas a atrever a llamarte protagonista si el zaid fue quien más tiempo tuvo
@saldussapnai3464
2 ай бұрын
God bless u❤
@nayelidefas5636
2 ай бұрын
Primis que guerreros todos enserio se me hizo el corazón chiquito pero se que dios los está bendiciendo en su nueva vida 🥹
@malcriadamedina5358
2 ай бұрын
buenas vibras Suanny! No eschuches a la gente negativa y que bueno que dejastes a estos reporteros filmarte, sin gente como tu no pudieramos hacer nuestro trabajo.
@h0tcheetomami
2 ай бұрын
swanny, llore con ustedes. Gracias a dios que estan bien.
I hope by seeing this, Americans are more grateful that people all over the world dream to live in their country at any cost. I myself brought my son to US tens of years ago ( legally). Now my son has become a US citizen and hold a good job. Lives in a beautiful house with his American wife. I've since going back to my native country, and always Thank God that I've succeeded to put my son to be where he is now. Moreover, to see how hard to make a living in my native country now. Although, America is not perfect, but for me still the best country in the world.
@sweetla4750
25 күн бұрын
They dream to live here for the HANDOUTS,don’t kid urself…if it wasn’t for the freebies they would never come
@Sarah-kc3fb
17 күн бұрын
@@sweetla4750 They dream to have the chance of a proper life, an education, and safety for their children. You were just lucky to be born in a country where you have simple access to these human rights, you spoilt brat.
@MaiJaan
13 күн бұрын
@@sweetla4750what freebies?
@ericktellez7632
11 күн бұрын
That’s disgusting, the reason they have to leave is precisely because of what America has done to their country, the literal president of Ecuador was born in Miami and is selling Ecuador to American companies since he took over the presidency. Also the country you are salivating over is constantly arming Israel.
@Trumpulator
11 күн бұрын
Good job! MAGA hates you though.
😢😢😢 things these kids are going through 😩😩 may the Most High protect them and fullFill their wish to make it through 😕... Peace is priceless for sure, seeing this makes one appreciate little things in life 😧 cried tears of joy after they found the boy and the girl who've been missing for days 😭
@kimmyymmik
Ай бұрын
I just don’t think putting children at risk is worth it. They should always have a trusted adult to keep children in their country and send money and eventually bring them. It’s too risky, not worth it :(
@wangariwairimu1st
Ай бұрын
@@kimmyymmik Did you hear the reasons? Especially the featured woman....her ex boyfriend was to kill her kids next after he killed her mother! If you know how things run in Latin America countries you would have a different perspective why they leave and risk their kids life....they literally have no choice... staying back is guaranteed ☠️ death!
@truthbtoldwright6411
Ай бұрын
@@kimmyymmik As a parent myself, I would never risk leaving my child or children in a country that I'm too fearful to live in. People can't hardly feed their kids or themselves, so why would they agree to look after my children? It's a difficult choice to make but I could never forgive myself if I made that journey and helped other children along the way to then discover that my children had starved to death or been hurt, murdered in my homeland. If I'd found myself in this situation I'd definitely take the risk and bring my children. People make different choices in life, some we win and some we lose, that's life.
@alitomitre4191
28 күн бұрын
Am victim of this journey now am stack in México i need help to get to america please
@wangariwairimu1st
27 күн бұрын
@@alitomitre4191 I pray you'll get the help you need to get there... may you be lucky just like those who cross the border and get asylum
Oh God these kids go through the most painful situations 😭💔. My heart is in pieces .
@enough1494
21 күн бұрын
The west has its hands all over this pain.
@ljb4541
17 күн бұрын
Using kids as propaganda says it all about these grubs
Wow I really had no idea that this existed. I mean, I've probably heard of it but not comprehending the risks involved. This is excellent journalism.
This documentary moved me to tears, may god bless this family here in the US. Im happy you ALL made it safe. Enjoy your new life ❤
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Muchas gracias,Dios lo bendiga.♥️
@jl0m683
Ай бұрын
Welcome to America the land of the free
When you get a viewer to shed a few happy tears, it's a thumbs up video. IMO
I just have to say that these people prove that freedom is more important than safety I just hope and pray these people are okay all of them!
@benjaminmadeira8442
4 күн бұрын
These people are leaving their countries because they lack SAFETY. What the f are you on about?
I’m so grateful that I had it easy coming to America I cannot even imagine going through this to come to America.they are very strong to put themselves and their families in danger just to come to America I really admire them.
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Muchas gracias por sus buenos deseo y no tiene malicia igual que los otros♥️
@truthbtoldwright6411
Ай бұрын
After travelling that horrendous journey these people will do well and will succeed in America, they are mentally strong survivors.
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Muchas gracias y bendiciones por sus buenos deseos 🤍
@LoLoLifeinFlorida
Ай бұрын
Agree. We take America for granted ❤
I said a prayer during and after this program. I'm so happy they all made it. God was with that young boy, the little girl and all who made it out.
I cried all the way of this, I'm from Europe and we complain about life all the time for small thing's shame on us, even I can't imagine my self get in that situation like this brave people I'm sure I can't survive this! God bless them for a better life
Thank you so much for going that far!
Powerful reporting
I got so emotional watching this😢😢😢😢 thank God they reached America.
Heart breaking ! 😭🫂
Worked and met a lot of children that have made this trek. Just when you think that the journey was rough you learn the reason why they left their countries and it’s the worst feeling of hopelessness 😢
My foster parents are from Mexico 🇲🇽 ❤️ but lost there home in SJC so they decided to return back to Mexico,my foster siblings got to stay In the states coz there born US citizens I miss them so much good luck to those crossing ✝️ may God be with you all I pray 🙏 ❤I love you Mom an Dad Saldana family peace 🦋🌺🌹I'm now 58 yrs old.
The boy is strong... Well done son😭😭😭
Land Rover and Jeep did expeditions in the '70s through the Darien gap.. It's unreal that there are still no gravel roads through it. I couldn't imagine walking it..
@marry1321
2 ай бұрын
Interesting
@alexxx7066
2 ай бұрын
Its in a corrupt country 😂
@0118Stephen
Ай бұрын
@@alexxx7066it’s an in area where government doesn’t exist. Cartels control.
@Aryrch
22 күн бұрын
There is and never will be a road because the Darién is NOT a Route, it is A JUNGLE.
@Aryrch
22 күн бұрын
@@alexxx7066Corrupt countries are where migrants come from, thank God we Panamanians do not need to emigrate.
people are going through this in our lifetime. its so insane. im so glad they are safe.
the newly elected President of Panama promised to entirely close the Darien Gap. Hopefully he really fulfills his promise! I'm Colombian and support the idea of closing the gap, for both environmental and social reasons, it is bringing so much trouble to Colombia, Panama, and the whole continent
@travelingdude33914
Ай бұрын
You're slightly correct, except you didn't include all the problems Colombia had brought through there for decades with drugs. Colombia is just as responsible if not more and could close it themselves like they did with Venezuela years ago. I am happy to see the boarder open with Venezuela in Cucuta Colombia where I have property. It has brought much needed relief to those suffering under the dictatorship in Venezuela
@nicssss2894
Ай бұрын
I am Panamanian. I hope the elected president DOES NOT even attempt this promise. First, because he refused to explain how he would do it (he was asked and point blank stared into the camera, and said nothing. His campaign documents aren’t of much depth either). Closing the Darién means investing heavily on recruiting a HUGE part of the workforce in the police, even with equipment that would equate to a military body, prohibited by our constitution. It also means introducing heavy machinery into this inhospitable area, but also risking displacement of already vulnerable populations. You cannot attempt to do that without a plan; the money is easier to get, but that alone means these people will be subjected to even more risk in the wilderness PLUS the added risks of dealing with a poorly trained but well equipped police. Other more advanced monitoring systems have been tried to be implemented, but those systems have been used for political repression and NOT for its intended purposes (right now, an ex president is in jail for this). Above all, it’s good to remember that people will try to move through Panama, no matter what. They will see the land and sea, and find a way. You missed one of the most important parts of the documentary: there were safer routes, but once they were closed because of political pressure, people started risking their lives and not just their livelihoods. I wholeheartedly hope president Mulino IMPROVES conditions for migrants, which is economically feasible and positive, rather than opening an unconstitutional sinkhole for funds, professionals and people’s hope.
@CandiceMMartinez
23 күн бұрын
@@nicssss2894 So then, forget the rainforest? Who needs trees? Don't complain when Americans migrate in mass to your country because we can't afford to live in our own country. Ask Mexico what happens to housing costs when Americans start illegally migrating in mass to your nation. Americans need somewhere to live too. Right now, our middle class is getting priced out of houses and apartments because of migrants. So, now there is a quiet outward migration of Americans - for the first time in history. Mexico is not digging it. We drive up housing costs wherever we migrate too. This doesn't occur in vacuum.
@jefftewoold1142
19 сағат бұрын
@@nicssss2894like whos gon read all that😂😂😂
I’m so worried about the girl with 2 kids , May God protect her . 🥺❤️. Is there part 2 of where are they now ?
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Hola buenas estamos en Arizona muchas bendiciones ♥️
@Nicky355
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores Congrats
@belleyasmin1302
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores Me alegra que lo hayas superado. Mantente a salvo siempre.
@TinaMattMaddy-yw8ry
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores congratulations dear u indeed a heroine for your kids
@MaiJaan
13 күн бұрын
@@SuannyFloresI’m so happy you’re all safe ❤️ much love to you
Some people only talk from the comfort of their privileges and don’t understand that the situation of this family, especially coming from Ecuador. It’s obvious that no one wants to go through that kind of situation, neither does one to put their own children through that. But these people are just trying to survive and looking for a better life and future since they have lost everything and don’t have any support, neither from the relatives nor from the government. I hope that people would try to understand the situation instead of just making assumptions and attacking.
@theetravellover
Ай бұрын
yes very true. Sadly, many don't care about socio-economic issues until it affects them directly. Look at Black Americans' struggles being brought to the Americas as slaves, yet no one cares. Some people get upset if you even bring it up, you're told to get over it and move on. History is history and just because some people are uncomfortable with it doesn't mean you forget and stop talking about it.
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Exacto muchas gente tiene malicia, pero gracias a Dios estamos todos bien y pudimos llegar a nuestro destino mis hijas están bien gracias a Dios. Bendiciones ♥️
@sandio9801
Ай бұрын
If they were looking for a better life, why not stop in Colombia?! Why travel all the way to America???!!
@TaShaBeNz85
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFloresthank God! Blessings❤
@truthbtoldwright6411
Ай бұрын
@@sandio9801because they can have a better life in America then in Colombia, obviously.
This is so painful to watch. I feel the pain of these parents and children. I hope they are doing okay now.
Just listened to the podcast about this. Was wondering where the main documentary was. Glad I've found it. I was just commenting on the podcast that a) CNA did a related documentary about Chinese migrants and b) this documentary makes me feel so grateful for what I have. Anyway, just wanted to say a thank you to the team for a job well done and for making such a poignant documentary about the hardships that so many others have to go through just to survive in this world.
Thanks for sharing this documentary….
Peace be with you all! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Really heartbreaking see little children all suffering may UNICEF protect children all and save💔🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
This made me cry, how horrible their lives in their place. May god bless u in your journey.
beautiful. Thank you for this
I’ve hiked this as a tourist and it’s mind blowing how hard the journey is
@Allguitarinfo
25 күн бұрын
Tourist..lol
poor poor people, god bless them all x
Instead of fleeing from problems, imagine how their countries would be if they banded together to make a difference there. Very unfortunate situation.
@SybilDeligny-cz3br
10 күн бұрын
You can't fight City hall
I don’t understand why these people would put their kids through this whole journey only to be separated at the border by the United States government
@truthbtoldwright6411
Ай бұрын
The risk of being separated is safer than being dead in their homeland. Probably would feel selfish and guilty if they left the kids behind.
@jodiceygame
Ай бұрын
These people need prayer and keep an eye on their children’s kidneys
@Tara-Oziray
Ай бұрын
Didn’t you watch the video? They were at risk of getting killed. Similar stories for many of them. You comment at the comfort of your couch and watching from a distance is not helping.
@laurenm.6320
8 күн бұрын
Because the other option is worse…horrifying, isn’t it?
Thank God that they were reunited 🙏🏾
A painful and unforgettable journey for all these people. Hope they will all find a safe home🙏
I wanna try this rout. Hopefully i will be back here again and thank God for making me go through..
@maybeshuro7238
Ай бұрын
Not easy 😭 been there
@thomasreagan7465
Ай бұрын
Are you from Ghana 🇬🇭
🙆🏽♀️😤 May they find joy and peace wherever they go.
Life is tough everywhere 😢
I am praying for you all!!! Especially the women and children!
Great documentary
I couldn't control my teras looking at thses people struggling expecially those kids. It's very painful for me to see their situations.
May God watch over and protect these babies🙏🏾 God bless these people 🙏🏾
Como puede ser Adventura con Niños y Bebes !!! Es una locura
Excellent documentary
I see alot of faith in people who take the chances they take..wow
I feel terrible for these people. They have to leave their country because life was unbearable there. But the problem is if they all come to the US, the US will become like their country. There are crimes and gangs in NYC as a result of bad migrants and gangs arriving here. The US simply cannot handle the sheer number of arrivals and is overwhelmed with the number of migrants coming here. US citizens are suffering from inflation, unemployment and homelessness already. The US is going downhill. And then this country is also ruined. And then where do people go?
@sweetla4750
25 күн бұрын
Bleeding ❤ can’t seem to grasp that!!The US taxpayer has ENOUGH to deal with its OWN citizens…85-90% want them sent back ASAP
@ericktellez7632
11 күн бұрын
You are literally Asian. What makes you think you get to decide who comes or not to America when y’all came from somewhere else as well? Get swimming.
All the Americans without shelter and we have resources to help foreigners 😢😢😢
@kanivea
2 ай бұрын
PREACH!!!! 💯 👍
@Fernanda-di8zs
2 ай бұрын
The United States put their countries in this situation in the first place by meddling in their political affairs. Read a bit of history, real history, not the lies told in US schools, and you’ll see how much damage your country has done to Latin America. Enjoy the consequences!
@pariscrossroads
Ай бұрын
We don't and can't support them...we are losing schools and gyms to these kinds of interlopers - We need them for our citizens!!
Poor children, so young and already traumatized. I hope they get all the help they need
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS ON ALL HUMAN LEVELS, 😢BEING A MOTHER MYSELF IT GIVES ME CHILLS.
I feel like every American should see this. I feel like this would change so many minds about immigrants coming to the US. Not all are criminals and vagrants, most are just people trying to help themselves and their families.
Why the USA when you so many countries along the way
@anitadi7351
Ай бұрын
u s a has biden train.
@johnnypersaud6877
Ай бұрын
@@anitadi7351 The Biden train is an old steam train
@johnnypersaud6877
Ай бұрын
@@anitadi7351 the chu chu train
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Dejen de ser tan malas persona reflexionen todos somos seres humanos
@johnnypersaud6877
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores sinto mucho pero El Salvador és bueno para usted
Excellent journalism, this is what Vice used to produce.
My heart breaks…
Just seeing the kids suffer it breaks my heart
Suanny herself is so young too :( she’s only 19
@rosearmitage9750
13 күн бұрын
She’s a baby too taking care of her babies
WOW HO MY GOD THIS IS SO SAD.😢💔
🙏🌍 World Peace and LOVE 🕊❤🔥
Breaks my heart
Avoid all of these problems. Stay in your own country and work to make it better.
@sxna0214
20 күн бұрын
Pfft. People will do what they want to do
Goddess protect all these people, show they mercy and love. Share your grace and wisdom with them, to give them hope and peace. Protect the fathers, the mothers, the brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Protect the Grandparents, Nieces and Nephews and Aunts and Uncles. Protect their friends. Show them a way to safety through the Gap, lead them to food and water and security. Please, my Goddess, I beg you. Help these desperate people. So mote it be. 🌙 ✨ 🙏
I know this was posted months ago but how long ago was this documentary recorded ? Only reason i am asking is because the amazing changes i have seen in el Salvador.
My mother said to me, shame on these parents who put their kids through this to come here…whereas I was like, mom, doesn’t it just tell you how DESPERATE these mothers are that they would do this? It’s all in your perspective. I don’t feel angry that people would risk this. I feel horrified that anyone would feel this is their best option and the fact that so many people do, should tell you that it isn’t some delusion of a few people of bad judgment, it’s a fact that this is the best option for a large number of people. And for that, I feel only compassion that so many people suffer so much in this life. I did absolutely nothing to deserve being born into an easier life.
why am i crying 😢😢😢😢😢😢
Brave kids and the family ❤❤
This is painful 💔💔
We don’t expect strangers from different countries at all>USA🇺🇸we all going to fight back hard
why they keep having babies if they dont have conditions ????
Such traumatized to see kids going through this.
😢 we should be happy and blessed because we are in USA but also we should be human and see how some people suffering and dreams about liberty Does people suffering so much for freedom God bless you and I'm hoping you all win and get liberty and better life
Im crying 😢😢😢😢😢
America is not that great,these people need to realize that
This was really painful to watch GOD help those people who need to do this
Destroying the selva of the Darien 💔💔💔
God bless them
This is not fair for these people and our country can’t take this pouring in from the world
Tears
I find it difficult to find sympathy for the girl that got with the older gangster.
@laniece4321
Ай бұрын
Don’t judge her. She had to do what she had to for survival for her kids. Circumstances made her do it. Commonly in her culture women in need will “date” or entertain men for survival
I know it's easy to criticize her for risking her 2 young daughters, I've even expressed my wrath at them, but after watching, I can see the desperation in her for her brother and children to have a better life. I don't agree with all the mass illegal immigration, but I still feel pity for her and her family
God bless you
Please Jesus hope this family and the rest of the group are in the US❤❤
Painful
and some PEOPLE even say "OOHHHH, they made it so easy! Not even paid and waited for proper paperwork!"..😢😢😢😢
How do you carry on, and celebrate leaving the Gap, not knowing if your child is safe? The uncle and mother seem useless
Lord have mercy...its ALWAYS the children who has to suffer... Do these people REALLY believe they are going to a better life??
Will they be able to get jobs, health Insurance and school for the kids?
@pariscrossroads
Ай бұрын
They better if they want to survive and live in America...The U.S.. government will not support them past one year. Who knows, they may even get deported.
@embr4065
16 күн бұрын
Jobs? Probably. Health insurance, no. School, definitely!
It so sad that these migrate kids have to go through this dangerous journey just to try to reach here in United States it crazy...
VERY DISTURBING AND SAD WHAT IS LIFE AFTERALL NOTHING
Its hard and risky but 99% of ppl make it out.. it heavily depends on your cardio i did it in 1 day and a half me and a 9 years old boy and God.
Crazy they got an apartment money,food everything basic americans cant afford right now.. goodnfor them work the system I guess
i wish aljazeera follows up on the storyof deleyza,swanny and victor and make a documentary about it >P)'
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
Estamos bien gracias a Dios Gracias por tener esa mente y no de personas tan mediocres que no tienen corazón personas con malicias.
@pariscrossroads
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores go home
@humanitytv6016
Ай бұрын
@@SuannyFlores Hola suanny, estoy feliz oir esta bien. Agradezco a Dios. Soy de Kenya y me encantaria a communicar con usted, y para siempre ser amigos. Su relato es inspiración. Ojalá ablar a usted pronto. Estoy estudiar español y me encantaria usted ayúdame. Muchas Gracias.
@SuannyFlores
Ай бұрын
@@humanitytv6016 puede escribirme
U see all these tear them people crying God will answer.
It’s really dangerous. Excellent documentary
If at all you knew when you were likely round about going to go and flee as a migrant from your country weeks before you could do physical body work to get yourself ready in strength and durability to do the days and days of trekking. I wonder if any migrants use their internet to search videos like these ones on what it is actually like to cross.
camera man the mvp
👑