MAGA faithful claims flood of migrants already heading toward southern border after Democrats’ Texas wins

Bannon cites Honduran caravans

On his War Room show Wednesday, Steve Bannon said caravans were already moving north and that people in Central America expected the border gates to reopen. He made the remarks to Bensman, an immigration expert at the Heritage Foundation.

When asked by The Independent to support his claims, Bannon cited news reports about Hondurans traveling north in anticipation of the midterms. One report quoted 47-year-old Jimena Morazán, who was traveling with five relatives: “Here in Honduras, we have nothing left,” she said, adding that the election gave them a reason to take the risk. The Latin Times reported that Tuesday’s caravan was the third significant organized departure from San Pedro Sula since early fall.

Border figures and political pledges

Customs and Border Protection reported nearly 140,000 encounters during fiscal year 2026. The agency has also said there were 16 consecutive months with zero releases at the border, meaning migrants were not being released into the United States.

Talarico’s campaign website compares the border to a front porch, saying it should have a welcome mat and a lock. Bannon also invoked a welcome mat, using the image to criticize Democrats such as Talarico.

National Guard proposal draws focus

Bensman had suggested Trump use the National Guard to secure the border if Democrats in Texas failed to do so. About half of the southern border is located in Texas. The Independent said it had contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment.