The U.S. Border Patrol has issued a stern warning to migrants against heeding false rumors on social media that suggested sections of the U.S.-Mexico border would be "open" on International Migrant Day. The misinformation triggered an influx of migrants attempting to cross into the United States, only to be met with razor wire barriers, the Texas National Guard, and reinforced security measures.
Early Wednesday, groups of migrants gathered along the Rio Grande near Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and attempted to breach the border wall near El Paso, Texas. Video footage captured migrants struggling against barriers and dispersing as helicopters hovered overhead, creating thick dust clouds. Some migrants reportedly encountered pepper spray deployed by Texas National Guard members to control the crowd and prevent illegal crossings.
The rumors, widely circulated on social media, falsely claimed that portions of the border would temporarily allow free passage. "Rumors circulating on social media that areas between the ports of entry on the southwest border will be open for migration due to International Migrant's Day are patently false," the Border Patrol said in a statement. Officials emphasized that such misinformation is often propagated by transnational criminal organizations preying on vulnerable individuals.
This is not the first instance of misinformation driving surges at the border. In February 2023, hundreds of migrants gathered at a specific gate in El Paso after rumors suggested buses were available to transport them to Canada. Similar episodes highlight the challenges U.S. authorities face in countering false narratives while managing border security.
Throughout the day, new groups of migrants approached different sections of the border, including Border Safety Initiative #36 near El Paso's Lower Valley. Migrants expressed frustration with prolonged waits for legal entry appointments through official U.S. immigration channels.
The El Paso Sector of the Border Patrol reiterated the dangers of illegal crossings. "Illegally crossing the border in the El Paso Sector can be extremely dangerous," the agency stated, noting that it recorded 176 deaths and 981 rescues in fiscal year 2024. "The El Paso Sector continues to enforce U.S. immigration law and applies consequences to those who illegally cross the border between the ports of entry and do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States."
Mexican authorities also responded to the situation. Members of the National Guard, Juárez Municipal Police, and agents from Mexico's National Migration Institute were deployed to secure the border and prevent further incidents. Officials worked to manage the crowds and assist migrants, emphasizing a coordinated approach to de-escalating tensions.
