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Walking with Migrants: One Year of Impact by the Franciscan Network for Migrants (RFM) in Panama

In the midst of one of the most complex migration crises in the region, the Franciscan Network for Migrants (RFM) in Panama continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of people in human mobility. On the verge of completing three years of service, 2025 has been a year of consolidation, growth, and deep commitment to human dignity, especially for those who are most vulnerable: sick or injured migrants, returnees, asylum seekers, and families who cannot return to their countries of origin due to political, economic, or social crises.

Since 2023, the RFM has strengthened its operational capacity and presence at strategic points throughout the country, providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance and human rights-based support. In 2025, with the backing from the Quixote Center, this work focused on four main areas:
* The meal program in the border town of Paso Canoas;
* Comprehensive care at the Hogar Medalla Milagrosa shelter;
* The implementation of advocacy actions through Red Clamor Panamá;
* The execution of projects to provide support in emergency situations and expand services.
PASO CANOAS MEAL PROGRAM - UNIENDO FRONTERAS NETWORK
The Red Uniendo Fronteras, made up of church organizations in Costa Rica and Panama, continued to coordinate resources to assist the population that, in the face of restrictive migration policies, made the decision to return to their countries of origin. They delivered a total of 3,190 meals, in addition to support for transportation, clothing, and medicine. More than just food, this space offers dignity and companionship in a time of uncertainty.

MEDALLA MILAGROSA SHELTER FOR MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
During 2025, the Medalla Milagrosa shelter saw a notable increase in the number of people it took in. Migrants from thirteen different countries, mostly from Venezuela (50%), Colombia (23%), and Ecuador (10%), found a safe place here. The shelter has become an increasingly well-known place where daily work translates not only into food and protection but also into support, compassion, listening, and guidance.

RED CLAMOR - PANAMA
The Clamor Panama Network, a coalition of church organizations that combine their efforts and charisms, continued its advocacy and awareness-raising work. In 2025, they promoted actions to raise awareness of the migration crisis at the local and global levels, promoting safe and legal migration routes.
Activities such as fairs against human trafficking and World Day of Migrants and Refugees strengthened social awareness and community commitment.

PROJECTS THAT EXPAND THE IMPACT
With Quixote Center's support, RFM-Panama implemented three key projects that strengthen their comprehensive response, including training processes for volunteers in the protection of human rights and the promotion of nonviolent interventions.

- The Peace and Good Border Emergency Project has responded to the situation of migrants and asylum seekers stranded on the western border between Panama and Costa Rica, specifically in Paso Canoas. Its main objective is to provide humanitarian aid in the form of food and basic hygiene, ensuring minimum conditions of dignity while they wait.

- The Migrate with Health Project strengthens comprehensive care at the Medalla Milagrosa shelter by equipping its infirmary with medical supplies and adequate furniture, thus guaranteeing basic health care for migrants and asylum seekers crossing the western Panamanian border.
- The Fraternal Alliance: Migrate with Dignity Project is carried out at the Medalla Milagrosa shelter and guarantees connectivity through 24-hour internet access for guests and external migrants, access to health and funeral services, the remodeling of spaces, and the creation of a recreation room for children and adolescents.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we can continue to accompany, protect, and dignify the lives of those who, for various reasons, have had to migrate.

If you wish to leave a comment, visit our blog post HERE ([link removed]).

 

Nonviolent Vigil at ICE Headquarters in Washington, DC

On a freezing Thursday morning, Quixote Center joined a coalition of faith-based organizations at a prayer vigil in front of ICE Headquarters to show our solidarity with our immigrant community. January 15th also marked Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's 97th birthday, we prayed with his words as we urged ICE to deescalate the violence against immigrants and protesters. We plan on continuing these monthly vigils until everyone is safe from ICE raids.

 

Take Action to Support Women and Girls in Haiti

Women and girls in Haiti are the main victims of the gang violence afflicting the country. The crimes committed against them daily are so disturbing, a UN official says ([link removed]) that Port-au-Prince is "the worst place in the world to be a woman". They are also left out from key roles in the Transitional government with Haiti currently ranking last in political inclusion of women.

Next Thursday (1/21) Rep. Clarke's office (D-NY) will introduce a Resolution to protect and advance the rights of women and girls in the Republic of Haiti. The Resolution includes demands for action in solidarity with Haitian advocates, including to base policies, programs, and planning on the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition ([link removed]).

We invite everyone to reach out to your Members of Congress to encourage them to sign the Resolution as an original cosponsor. You may send them a letter and give them a call with the help of the draft and scripts that we prepared.

Take action by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your continued support!

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Update on War Powers Resolution for Venezuela

The War Powers Resolution failed to pass in the Senate after the vicepresident broke the 50-50 tie. We expect Senators Kaine, Paul, Schumer and Schiff to reintroduce a Joint Resolution ([link removed]) if the hostilities against Venezuela continue to escalate.

We are also looking closely at the Resolution Representatives McGovern, Massie and Castro reintroduced in House with a possible vote for late January. Although this is disappointing, we are just getting started so stay tuned for next steps on this front.

We once again want to extend our gratitude to everyone who called or sent a letter to your Members of Congress on this critical issue.

 

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