Honduras caravan prompts US warning: illegal entry leads to arrest and removal

A caravan of roughly 600 migrants making its way from Honduras through Mexico toward the United States has drawn a warning from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Border Patrol that the U.S.-Mexico border is not open. The agencies said anyone who attempts to enter the United States illegally will be apprehended, prosecuted and removed from the country.

Key facts

• Who is involved: a caravan of roughly 600 migrants travelling from Honduras through Mexico toward the United States.
• What U.S. authorities said: the U.S.-Mexico border is not open, and the previous "catch-and-release" policy is over.
• Stated consequence: anyone attempting to enter illegally will be apprehended, prosecuted and removed.
• Monitoring: U.S. Border Patrol says it is working with international partners to track the caravan's movement and any further developments.
• Announced: the statements were issued around 2 October 2026.

What have U.S. authorities said?

DHS and U.S. Border Patrol said the border has remained closed and secured for the last 16 months under President Trump and Homeland Secretary Mullin. The department said U.S. Border Patrol is closely engaged with international partners to monitor the caravan's movement and any additional developments.

DHS said "the days of 'catch and release' are over" and that people weighing the journey should be aware of that. White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the caravan would not be allowed into the country, and that people who pay cartels to smuggle them in should expect arrest, prosecution where appropriate and immediate deportation.

Does this change anything for legal travellers?

The statements do not announce any change to visa requirements, passport rules, or entry procedures for people travelling to the United States legally. They set out enforcement measures aimed at those crossing the border without permission. No new document requirements, fees or processing times are mentioned.

What happens next?

No dates or further measures have been announced. U.S. Border Patrol says it continues to watch the caravan's movement alongside its international partners and will report any additional developments.

Travellers planning a trip should simply confirm the current entry rules that apply to their nationality before booking.