Thousands of migrants who traveled north through the perilous Darién Gap are now making reverse journeys across Central America and the Caribbean Sea after U.S. asylum access was shut off.

Testimonies reveal that extortion, theft, and deadly boat accidents are common along the way, and many migrants say they were deceived by promises of safe passage.

Panama and Costa Rica are struggling to cope, with shelters largely closed and deportation funds flowing through newly formed U.S.-backed agreements.