CNN —The US and Panama have signed an agreement on immigration issues that aims to “close the passage of illegal migrants” through the Darién Gap, the Central American government announced Monday. Panama is home to the Darién Gap, a mountainous rainforest region connecting South and Central America, that has seen an increase in the number of migrants willing to risk their lives and safety to cross it. The 66-mile (106-kilometer) hike through the Darien Gap brings migrants from Colombia to Panama and is a crucial passage for those hoping to reach the United States and Canada. “The Darién must continue to be a great green lung, not only for us but for the entire region. Its biodiversity cannot be put at risk by illicit activities.”Panamanian figures show at least 174,513 migrants crossed the treacherous Darién Gap, from January to June 6 of this year.

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Persons: “, Javier Martínez, Alejandro Mayorcas, Jose Raul Mulino, ” Mulino, ”, he’s Organizations: CNN, Central American, Panamanian Foreign, Acha, of Homeland Security, United, Central America, Central, Migration Service Locations: Panama, Darién, ” Panama, South, Central, Darien, Colombia, United States, Canada, Central American, “, “ Panama