The first days of 2026 have already brought new and escalating dangers to refugee and migrant communities—and as always, especially to women and girls. We know that so many of you are deeply affected by the actions of the US government, both domestically and internationally, over the past two weeks.
We stand with you in deep concern. Here’s where WRC’s focus lies, as we consider how January’s developments could impact the women and girls that we serve with your support:
US Invasion of Venezuela:
- Instability increases risks of displacement and harms:
The ongoing instability and uncertainty in Venezuela has led to the largest displacement crisis in the region, and one of the largest in the world. In our research in Central America and Mexico over the past year, we have found that displaced and migrant women face unique risks and harms: sexual and gender-based violence and abuse, trafficking, detention, and deportation—all exacerbated by abrupt US aid cuts and immigration policies. These have decimated the systems, already under-resourced, that protected women from violence, enabled their access to justice, and helped them move in safety and dignity.
Though we don’t know what the future holds, we anticipate instability could bring further displacement, risk, and harm for Venezuelan women and girls. It is too early to tell, but we are watching carefully and urge neighboring governments, regional authorities, humanitarian practitioners, and donors to invest in protective policies and services.
- We must center the aspirations of impacted Venezuelan women:
Whether in Venezuela, in the region, or in the US, women have the right to safety, justice, freedom, equality, and the right to determine their own futures. Decisions about the future of Venezuela must be made with the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Venezuelan women and girls.
- Family separation is likely to increase:
More than 17,000 people were deported from the US to Venezuela last year, including numerous parents who were deported without their children. The New York Times has reported that many of these parents said they were deceived by immigration officials into leaving their children behind. Venezuelan officials report that about a third of those children have now been reunified, but we don’t know what the reunification process will look like in this new landscape.
WRC has been working to monitor the new family separation crisis and provide resources to mitigate the harm to parents and children. Our recent trip to Honduras with Physicians for Human Rights revealed not only the devastating harm to families, but also the challenges involved in reunifying parents and children who are separated in violation of the longstanding policies and procedures designed to protect their rights. We are concerned that disruption and escalating deportations will inflame the family separation crisis already unfolding in the region.
ICE activity and killing in Minnesota:
- Civilian deaths are deeply troubling:
We were horrified to watch video of an ICE agent shooting Renee Good, an unarmed observer and mother standing up for the rights of her immigrant neighbors. We likewise are deeply alarmed by the deaths of at least four people in US immigration custody in the first two weeks of 2026 alone.
- Refugees and asylum seekers face renewed or continuing danger:
Many of the people whom ICE is detaining are refugees and asylum seekers who have already been through so much suffering and struggle to find a safe haven in which to rebuild their lives and make significant contributions to our nation.
We are especially alarmed by the launch of an initiative called “Operation Parris,” which re-opens already approved refugee cases and puts people at risk of deportation if they do not requalify. ”Operation Parris” is currently targeting Somalis, putting women and girls currently in Somalia awaiting a decision on their cases, as well as Somali refugees already in the US who may be returned to Somalia, at dire risk.
We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground in both the United States and Venezuela, analyzing how we can best respond with research and advocacy to meet this perilous moment.
Meanwhile, decisions by the US administration last January to suspend global humanitarian assistance are still endangering the lives of displaced women and girls worldwide. Next week, WRC will share a new report documenting 2025 as “A Year of Harms.” Please look out for it, read it, and share this sobering study.
Thank you for standing with WRC for refugee and migrant women’s rights and humanity.