'We can now understand just how bad it is': 70 miles in the Darien Gap

Just imagine that people from 'lunatic asylums' and 'drug addicts' are fit enough to tackle this,

To think that you can deter people who are ready to go through the Darien gap is just nonsense. That level of grit in itself should be considered a winning resume. Just imagine what these people would do for the US economy if only given a chance.

This is just a snapshot of what it takes to survive this, risk everything, journey in search of a better life. Working in a packing plant, field, or any other job most Westerners consider horrible, is paradise compared to what they endure.

I look forward to reading this article...thank you for the nuance and complexity during this interview.

Scotland nearly went bust as a nation after sending a disastrous expedition to the Darien Gap.

Thank you for reporting this. It’s frightening what families with their children go through in this deadly gap to freedom for their children.

Ali Velshi has really stepped up and brought content to MSNBC that really makes it stand out from other U.S. "news" outlets in a positive way! Interesting and important reporting!

This guy could read the bible and I would listen...

It's an incredible article. I've met quite a few migrants in my life. Most of them wished they could have remained in their native land, but conditions made it practically impossible. But none of the people I have known had such a terrible ordeal to go through to get there. These people who went via the Darién Gap are amazingly determined and strong. Given a helping hand to get started, I'd bet they will become great new citizens, whether they remain in the US or come further north, up here to Canada. Thanks, Velshi, for introducing us to the two wonderful women who made the journey with them and wrote such a solid piece about it.

Excuse me sir...I did farm work as a teenager in Canada...I never made $150 dollars in a Summer, let alone in a day, as you appear to suggest that an illegal immigrant has the opportunity to do in America.

Thank you for committing journalism.

thanks Ali. stay human, everybody ✌🏾

For anyone to risk traveling through the Darien Gap, they must really be desperate to escape horrors in their home country.

The big story here is the utter failure of many Latin America countries to build viable societies that can offer a decent life to their inhabitants. Of course, there will be excuses about how the rich countries have exploited them etc etc....but mass migration from South America, Africa and some parts of Asia is one of THE big problems we have in the world today, along with climate change, war and the like ..... Some honesty is needed ......

People left lifelong careers in South America, just to leave it all behind and come to America to become HOMELESS.

Hearing about Con's death is so heartbreaking. Rest in peace, sweet boy. How many have perished in their quest for a better life in the US? Panama and Columbia need to do more to shut these greedy porters and cartels down!

This is a very serious and eye opening video with many disturbing facts. I think it is high time to deal with the drug cartels and criminal elements south of the border that are creating this refuge crisis in the first place. People would be less likely to flee their countries in dire desperation if their countries were stable and prosperous. It is time for an Americas Plan. A comprehensive development plan for the Entire South American Continent that would uproot the narco-trafficking economy and replace it with one that can sustain and prosper its people. If South America does well so does the North. There won't be any refugees seeking asylum because the reasons for doing so would no longer exist.

Its such a shame they have not mentioned Panamas efforts to close the routes through the Darien gap..It an ongoing effort but that would not be sensational reporting to tell of positive work in Panama to stop the problem..

The YouTuber 'Bald & Bankrupt' tackled this. Incredibly revealing.

Some times it best to stay home and deal with it