Brazilians who are in Venezuela have been authorised to return to Brazil, the Brazilian Army said, as authorities described the situation on the border as stable and orderly. Lieutenant Natalia King of Operation Acolhida told residents in Pacaraima, in the northern state of Roraima, that the current flow of people is normalised and secure.
Operation Acolhida, launched in 2018, coordinates the federal response to migration flows across the northern frontier. The operation relocates vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and migrants from Roraima to other Brazilian cities and brings together federal agencies, the Armed Forces, the judiciary, international organisations and civil society.
Brazil Venezuela border situation
In a video released by the Army, Lieutenant King said that although Venezuelan authorities have closed the border on their side, Brazilian officials had not observed any significant change in migration movement. “The flow remains calm, within the normal pattern seen even on weekends,” she said, adding that monitoring teams are working continuously to ensure orderly transit and the safety of the population.
Authorities emphasised that a humanitarian logistical task force is on standby to respond to any increase in migrant arrivals. “Teams remain active on a permanent basis, following movement and guaranteeing border order and public safety,” Lieutenant King said. For now, she added, there is no indication of events likely to cause concern to the population.
Local authorities in Pacaraima reported that commerce continues to operate, albeit with reduced activity. Traders have been affected by a marked decline in shoppers from neighbouring Santa Elena de Uairén, on the Venezuelan side, which has driven a fall in cross-border sales despite shops remaining open on both sides.
Mayor Walderi D’Avila described the present moment as one of observation and caution. “We are waiting for the next few days to understand how the situation will evolve. There is concern, particularly about a possible rise in migration flows,” he said. The municipal government also noted that reception infrastructure remains prepared should another wave of arrivals occur.
The state government of Roraima, which has historically been on the frontline of humanitarian and public-service pressures arising from instability in Venezuela, said it is monitoring events closely. Governor Antonio Denarium said he maintains regular contact with federal bodies to coordinate responses and prevent more serious repercussions at the border.
Officials also signalled that the situation could depend on developments in Venezuela. Local statements referenced reports concerning Nicolás Maduro as one factor that may influence cross-border movement, while stressing that final assessments will become clearer by early next week.
For now, federal and state agencies maintain a posture of preparedness while emphasising that public order and essential services continue to operate normally. The coordinated presence of Operation Acolhida and security forces aims to keep humanitarian assistance and border management functioning should conditions change.
Key Takeaways:
- Brazilian authorities report an orderly, safe flow of people at the Brazil Venezuela border after temporary restrictions.
- Operation Acolhida and the Armed Forces stand ready with humanitarian logistics to manage any surge.
- Local commerce in Pacaraima is open but affected by reduced cross-border buyers.
- State and municipal officials are monitoring developments closely and have contingency plans in place.
