In Ciudad Juarez, on the banks of the Rio Grande River across El Paso, Texas, over 1,200 Venezuelan migrants are living in makeshift shelters, because of the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to authorize the rapid expulsion of Venezuelan migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Still, amid changing border policies, Pastor Rosalío Sosa continues to feed, shelter, protect and provide pastoral care to migrants. “It is not safe for them to be on the riverbanks, as cartels are not happy with the presence of these migrants on the river,” Sosa said. “In their pain and despair, we are there, sharing a message of peace and hope.”

Sosa–who already operates several shelters and is the Director of Red de Albergues para Migrantes (Migrant Shelter Network), a network of 20 migrant shelters in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, across the border from El Paso—is now finding ways to feed, shelter and protect the newly expelled Venezuelans.

“Doing this kind of work is like being at battle with so much that comes up against us with constant unexpected changes,” Sosa said. “It is a battle where pain sees no end.” Ministering amidst such acute trauma has overwhelmed Sosa who has had to spend some time “sharpening his sword,” as he calls it.

Fellowship Southwest increased its support to his ministry so that he can provide meals and shelter. Sosa secured a shelter that will house the most vulnerable among them: women and children.

According to Sosa, Venezuelan migrants, in their desperation, have revolted and become unsettled, causing concerns for both governments. Amidst their outcries, Sosa, with the help of other local ministries and pastors, pitched a tent, and for three days, held a prayer service for Venezuelans to come, cry out, and be ministered to. During these services, Sosa and other pastors encouraged the migrants with words of peace and hope, and he educated them on the new processes and the need to organize peacefully.

Sosa shares that this Venezuelan group does not want to move to shelters. They fear they will be forgotten if they do not make themselves seen by both countries. Amongst their desperation Sosa is the persistent presence of Christ, teaching them the importance of leaving the riverbank for a safer place. He begs them to take shelter at least overnight when it is the most dangerous.

Recently he was advised to expect 17,500 more Venezuelans to arrive in Ciudad Juarez, in the coming weeks. The new arrivals might not know about the changes and will find themselves in the same situation as these other 1,200, in need of shelter, food, hope, and peace.

Pastor Rosalio has made the decision to camp out for two days with the Venezuelan migrants so that he can more easily minister to them and encourage them to move to a safer place.

Reasons for the Uptick in Venezuelan Migration

Since 2014, over 7 million Venezuelans have uprooted their lives, leaving their homes, families, and country due to political persecution, civil unrest, and increased poverty. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 25% of Venezuela’s population has left the country.

Venezuelans first traveled to surrounding countries in South America in search of refuge and employment. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many lost their employment, leaving them more vulnerable and displaced.

“Almost 6.8 million Venezuelans have fled since the economic crisis of 2014,” said Elket Rodriguez, field personnel for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for the U.S.-Mexico border and partner of Fellowship Southwest. “During the pandemic, 26 million Latin Americans lost their jobs. Due to their migration status, Haitians and Venezuelans were among the most vulnerable. They were the first to lose their jobs in 2020 –some of them informal– and they are the last ones being recruited today.”

Although Venezuelans have always migrated north from South America, the encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border skyrocketed in summer of 2022. Customs and Border Patrol apprehended over 25,000 Venezuelans in August and 33,000 in September –compared to a monthly average of 127 Venezuelans from 2014-2019.

Many make the dangerous journey through the jungles of South and Central America, navigating the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean, through violent countries, and in fear of cartels; all with hopes of reaching a new home, the United States of America.

“They are so desperate,” said Rodriguez. “Many risk their lives in the Darien gap on their way north.”

But on October 12, 2022, a change in U.S. policy delivered a major setback to that hope. The Department of Homeland Security announced that Venezuelans seeking asylum at the southern border by presenting themselves to border enforcement personnel without prior authorization would be returned. Before this new policy and in contrast to other migrants from Mexico and Central America, Venezuelans could enter the U.S. without prior authorization and seek asylum once they were on American soil.

At the time the rule was changed 5,000 Venezuelans who had finally reached the U.S. before October 12, were returned to Mexico under Title 42 to wait alongside the thousands of migrants from other countries seeking asylum.

Fellowship Southwest remains committed to supporting Pastor Sosa and all the ministries in our border network. No matter what policy changes come, the need for compassionate, humane welcome remains. To be a part of these ministries offering peace and hope contribute to our Knox Fund for Immigrant Relief here.