Brazil has authorised the National Public Security Force (FNSP) to deploy to Pacaraima and Boa Vista in Roraima state amid concerns over illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and unlawful mining along the Venezuela border. The decree empowers the FNSP to support state security forces to preserve public order and protect people and property. The decision follows reports of US strikes on Venezuela and disputed claims regarding President Nicolás Maduro, and Brazil temporarily closed a border crossing. Analysts say the reinforcement is appropriate, and there has not been a mass displacement of Venezuelans so far.
Brazil Deploys National Public Security Force to Roraima Border Amid Reports of Violence
A child rides a bike in front of a mural depicting independence hero Simon Bolivar at the border between Venezuela and Brazil in Pacaraima, Roraima on January 5, 2026 [File: Bruno Kelly/Reuters]
Sao Paulo, Brazil — The Brazilian government has authorised deployments of the National Public Security Force (FNSP) to Roraima state, which borders Venezuela and has long been affected by illegal mining, drug trafficking and the activity of armed groups on both sides of the frontier.
An official decree published on Thursday permits an unspecified number of FNSP personnel to be sent to Pacaraima and to Boa Vista, Roraima’s capital, which lies about 213 km (132 miles) from the border. The decree says the FNSP will support state public security agencies and carry out operations "essential to the preservation of public order and the safety of people and property."
Context and Border Tensions
The deployment follows reports of a weekend incident involving US strikes on Venezuelan territory and claims that President Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody. These reports were widely circulated in some media outlets but remain contested and unverified; Brazilian authorities have not characterised them as confirmed facts. In response to the tensions, Brazil temporarily closed the border near Pacaraima.
Brazilian media also reported that Venezuela has been reinforcing its military presence along the frontier. Multiple armed groups operate in the area, including Venezuelan colectivos and Brazilian criminal organisations such as the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV), which exacerbate local insecurity and complicate policing efforts.
Decree: The FNSP will act in support of state security forces and may undertake operations necessary to preserve public order and protect people and property.
Expert View and Political Reaction
Gimena Sanchez, Andes director at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), told Al Jazeera that Brazil’s decision to send guard units to the border is an "appropriate move," noting that violence from Colombian rebel groups active in Venezuela has been pushing some populations south toward Brazil. Sanchez also emphasized that there has not yet been a mass displacement of Venezuelan civilians into Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticised the reported US strikes. On the social platform X, he said the US had crossed an "unacceptable line." When asked whether Lula’s remarks could provoke a US response, Sanchez said the US focus appeared to be on other regional priorities and suggested Brazil was unlikely to be the primary target of Washington’s ire at this time.
Authorities say the FNSP deployment aims to bolster local law enforcement, stabilise public order and protect residents while officials continue to monitor cross-border developments.
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