Brazil declares state of emergency on Venezuelan border

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Brazil has declared a state of emergency in the northern border state of Roraima because of an influx of thousands of Venezuelans fleeing an economic crisis at home.

The measure frees up funding for extra security, health care, and transportation to relocate Venezuelans to different parts of Brazil.

Security has been stepped up along the 2,000-kilometer-long border. But it’s a complicated and delicate problem for Brazilian border patrol because not everyone is entering through the only official crossing at Pacaraima.

The major concern now is that undocumented migrants are crossing dangerous trails.

There has also been a reported increase in criminal activity.

Venezuelan citizens queue as they wait to get an entry permit outside the Brazilian Federal Police Office in the border with Venezuela, in the city of Pacaraima, Roraima state, Brazil, February 28, 2018. /VCG Photo

An estimated 600-800 Venezuelans, mostly poor and with limited skills, are said to be entering Brazil per day.

“Crimes like contraband and smuggling come with humanitarian crises. People who are vulnerable, like these Venezuelans who are leaving a terrible situation to come to Brazil, can easily turn to crime,” said Captain Felipe Lima, Commander of the Third Border Platoon.

Unlike Colombia which has tightened its border, Venezuelans are free to enter Brazil but are now subject to greater security checks.

Personal belongings and vehicles are searched thoroughly. Some are feeling the stress of leaving everything behind.

“Leaving your roots to go to another country is tough,” migrant Juan Duque said.

Brazil’s President, Michel Temer, visited Roraima last month to assess the situation.

“We will send all necessary resources," he said. "We won’t set down amounts now, but I’ve committed myself to solve this situation with the Venezuelans in Roraima.”

Providing vaccinations against diseases such as measles and yellow fever is part of Brazil’s emergency plan. Healthcare in Venezuela is collapsing.

A Venezuelan walks near a traffic light with a cardboard sign reading "I look for a job" in the city of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, February 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

No census has been conducted yet, but Venezuelans are crowding Roraima’s capital, Boa Vista.

According to official data, four or five Venezuelan babies are born there every day.

And local authorities are worried.

“It is a situation that makes me feel impotent. The state government alone cannot solve it. So, more measures need to be taken by the federal government,” said Suely Campos, the governor of Roraima.

As patrols double along the border, food, shelter and healthcare aid increase.

The Brazilian government is scrambling to come up with strategies to relocate thousands of Venezuelans to other parts of the country.