UPDATE: In a surprising early morning operation on December 27, 2025, Texas police detained an unknown number of migrants just moments before they were set to return to Mexico. The incident unfolded around 5:00 AM at the border crossing from Brownsville to Matamoros, halting the festive return of a caravan organized by authorities from San Luis Potosí.
Participants in the migrant caravan reported frantic messages as police began pulling people from their vehicles. “They’re pulling people off!” one participant alerted others in a chat group designed to coordinate the more than 400 members who were traveling home for the holidays.
The caravan, which had gathered with the intent to reunite families for seasonal celebrations, was met with an unexpected inspection by Texas law enforcement and immigration officials. As vehicles lined up for the crossing, officers systematically checked the documents of those returning home, leading to an unknown number of detentions.
This unprecedented operation occurred just seconds before the migrants were set to cross into Mexico, marking a significant shift in the routine process of holiday returns. According to reports from Milenio, those detained were registered and fingerprinted, raising serious concerns about the ongoing issue of migrant detentions in Texas.
The timing of this operation coincides with the launch of Mexico’s Héroes Paisanos 2025 initiative, aimed at assisting returning migrants during the holiday season. However, amidst this supportive framework, the sudden detentions have sparked outrage and fear within the migrant community.
Many of those traveling in the caravan viewed this return as either a temporary visit or a permanent relocation. The chaotic scene at the border turned what was meant to be a joyful reunion into a distressing encounter with law enforcement, exacerbating the already heightened tensions surrounding migrant policies under the administration of former President Donald Trump.
As this situation continues to develop, authorities have not disclosed the specific criteria used for the detentions nor the total number of individuals affected. The unexpected intervention has drawn attention to the broader implications of migrant policies and the challenges faced by those attempting to return home during the holidays.
Officials urge the public to stay informed as more details emerge regarding the aftermath of this operation. What was intended as a festive homecoming has now raised critical questions about safety and rights at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
