Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project at The Heritage Foundation, has raised concerns about the American Red Cross’s involvement in facilitating illegal immigration through Panama’s Darien Gap. In an interview with One America News Network (OANN), Howell alleged that the organization is part of a “border industrial complex” that assists migrants in their journey toward the United States.
Howell claimed that the Red Cross provides support to migrants at the Darien Gap, a treacherous region in Panama known for being a major route for those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. He suggested that such assistance contributes to the challenges faced by U.S. border enforcement agencies.
Assistance from the Red Cross at the Darien Gap included directions, water, food, guidance, and even suggestions for bordering states. Howell asserts that these actions are turning the Red Cross “completely on its head.”
In Howell’s words, the Red Cross is supposed to “keep people out of danger.” Encouraging migrants to enter treacherous jungle territory filled with both dangerous animals and people is antithetical to that mission.
While President Trump and Border Czar Tom Homan have been able to lock down the southern border and reduce illegal entries, actions like these from the Red Cross only further exacerbate the border industrial complex.
The Red Cross has not publicly responded to these allegations. However, the organization’s stated mission includes providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations worldwide, which often encompasses migrants and refugees.
The Darien Gap has long been a focal point in discussions about illegal immigration, with various organizations operating in the area to offer aid to migrants. Critics argue that such assistance may inadvertently encourage illegal crossings, while supporters contend that humanitarian aid is essential for the safety and well-being of migrants.
The debate over the role of non-governmental organizations in immigration continues to be a contentious issue, particularly as the U.S. grapples with border security and immigration policy.
