AGP Executive Report

Immigration Crackdown Backfires: A woman in Seattle says the federal self-deport system failed her repeatedly—she tried to leave five times, and on the sixth attempt the process still wouldn’t work, even though she followed instructions. Nicaragua Justice Pressure: In Costa Rica, the family of Nicaraguan TikToker Junieysis Adely Merlo Espinoza traveled for justice after her femicide, demanding custody of her twin daughters and accountability. Ortega-Murillo Dynastic Spotlight: Rosario Murillo announced the birth of her 31st grandchild, underscoring how the Ortega-Murillo family keeps expanding its political grip. Regional Rights & Security: UN experts warn Nicaragua’s exile community in Costa Rica lives under an intimidation network tied to the regime. Sports—World Cup Build-Up: South Africa named a 32-man preliminary World Cup squad including Philadelphia Union’s Olwethu Makhanya, with a warm-up vs Nicaragua next week. Tech & Infrastructure: Nicaragua reported a record 496,765 fixed internet connections by end-2025, driven by expanding fibre lines.

Nicaragua Connectivity Boost: Telcor says fixed internet lines hit a record 496,765 by end-2025, up 24.3% year-on-year, as fibre cable installations rose 15% to 52,510 km. Exile Pressure Crosses Borders: Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica warn Ortega-Murillo repression is reaching them abroad, citing a UN-backed picture of monitoring and intimidation networks. Rights Under Fire: Christian Solidarity Worldwide renews calls to free imprisoned Protestant pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López, marking four years since his 2022 arrest. Digital Security Push: Community media in the region, including Costa Rica’s Radio 8 de Octubre, are training to protect communications and files from cyberattacks and surveillance. Travel Warning: The U.S. keeps Nicaragua at Level 3, citing wrongful detention risks, crime, and arbitrary enforcement. Environment Watch: Nicaragua released 440,000 endangered sea turtles on Pacific coasts as part of a national conservation push.

UN Diplomacy in Managua: The UN Special Committee on Decolonization’s Caribbean Regional Seminar is set for May 25-27 in Managua, with the C-24 committee’s 2026 theme focused on “Advancing progress, renewed commitments, partnerships and innovative approaches.” U.S.-Nicaragua Tensions: The U.S. keeps Nicaragua at Level 3 travel advisory, citing serious risks including wrongful detention, crime, limited healthcare, and arbitrary enforcement—plus warnings about searches of electronic devices. Conservation Push: Nicaragua says it has released over 440,000 endangered sea turtles on Pacific coasts this year, including olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles, with releases tied to key nesting beaches like La Flor and Chacocente. Sports Spotlight: South Africa coach Hugo Broos names Iqraam Rayners in a World Cup preliminary squad, with a warm-up against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on May 29. Justice Watch: Christian Solidarity Worldwide renews calls to free imprisoned Nicaraguan Protestant pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López, marking four years since his 2022 arrest.

Nicaragua Under U.S. Warning: The U.S. State Department kept Nicaragua at Level 3, citing widespread crime, limited healthcare, wrongful detention risks, and electronic device searches—plus concerns that Nicaragua’s dual-citizenship limits could block consular help. Gulf Tensions, Health Fallout: At the World Health Assembly, member states condemned Iran’s Gulf strikes and Hormuz disruption, with Nicaragua the only country backing Tehran. U.S.-Iran Pressure Hits Oil: Iran’s oil exports reportedly plunged after the U.S. blockade began April 13, with exports dropping sharply once the restrictions took effect. Chinandega Drug Plane Link: A drug plane found abandoned in western Nicaragua is tied to a Costa Rica money-laundering probe, as Costa Rica’s OIJ moved against a luxury-linked network. Prisoner Rights Push: Christian Solidarity Worldwide renewed calls to free imprisoned Nicaraguan Protestant pastor Efrén Vílchez López, marking four years since his 2022 arrest. Sports Spotlight: South Africa named Iqraam Rayners in a World Cup preliminary squad, while Bafana’s send-off match vs Nicaragua is set for late May.

Iran-US Talks Power Struggle: A hard-line Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, is reported to be moving close to the center of negotiations with the United States, even as Iran’s top decision-making remains murky. Cuba Under Pressure: The U.S. escalated its campaign against Cuba by charging Raúl Castro with murder, signaling tougher pressure as Washington pushes for major change on the island. Immigration Crackdown Politics: In Miami, criticism is growing of Rep. María Elvira Salazar after her vote to unlock up to $75 billion for immigration enforcement, including more funding for ICE and Border Patrol. Nicaragua in the Spotlight: A Nicaragua-linked story highlights Andrea Baltadano’s asylum path from Nicaragua to U.S. college, while another item notes Nicaragua’s exiled Sergio Ramírez saying authoritarian leaders don’t fear novels—unless they feel personally targeted. Regional Diplomacy & Culture: PARLATINO’s new Caribbean commission is set to hold its first official meetings in Curaçao with Nicaragua among the delegations. Sports: Mexico swept NORCECA beach volleyball golds at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

NORCECA Beach Volleyball: Mexico swept both golds at the NORCECA Tour stop in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua—Miguel Sarabia & Jorman Osuna won the men’s title, while Susana Torres & Abril Flores took the women’s crown. UN Diplomacy: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro backed Michelle Bachelet’s bid for UN Secretary-General, reviving debate over who should lead the world body amid major global crises. Nicaragua in the spotlight: A Nicaragua-born asylum seeker in the U.S. is set to transfer to Sacramento State after building a journalism path in California—an example of how displacement can reshape education. Sports build-up: South Africa confirmed a World Cup send-off friendly against Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on May 29. Regional ties: Nicaragua and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic reaffirmed long-running friendship and solidarity at a ceremony marking POLISARIO’s founding.

World Cup Warm-Up Focus: South Africa will play Nicaragua in a World Cup send-off friendly at Orlando Stadium on May 29, with kick-off set for 18:00, giving coach Hugo Broos a last look at his squad before the June 11 tournament start. Nicaragua in the Spotlight: The match adds to a busy World Cup build-up that also includes Bafana Bafana’s training camp plans in Pachuca. Nicaragua’s Cultural Resistance: Exiled writer Sergio Ramírez says Nicaragua’s authoritarian leaders don’t fear novels—unless they feel a book is aimed at them—arguing literature can change readers even if it can’t “create a collective consciousness.” Regional Reality Check: Honduras has ruled out reopening Toncontín for regular international flights, cementing Palmerola’s role as the capital’s international gateway. Quick Note: The week’s coverage is heavy on U.S. immigration and global politics, with fewer Nicaragua-only breaking items beyond Ramírez and the World Cup match.

World Cup Warm-Up: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana set a send-off friendly against Nicaragua in Pachuca on May 29 ahead of their June 11 opener vs Mexico, with coach Broos also eyeing another match vs Puerto Rico. Press Freedom in Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s long-running Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years, following years of harassment and restrictions after the 2018 protests. Literature vs Authoritarianism: Exiled former vice president and writer Sergio Ramírez says Ortega-era leaders “don’t care” about novels—unless they feel a book is aimed at them. Regional Ties: Nicaragua and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic reaffirmed friendship and solidarity at a ceremony marking POLISARIO’s 53rd anniversary. Global Watch: A week of coverage also flagged rising AI use worldwide, a major gold merger (Equinox–Orla), and fresh U.S. immigration custody death concerns.

Grocery Pain Hits Hard: A fresh CPI readout shows steep jumps in everyday food—ground beef up 14.5% year over year, tomatoes nearly 40%, and coffee up 18.5%—leaving shoppers bracing for higher bills. Church Milestone in Miami: The Archdiocese of Miami ordained nine new priests May 9, including an Auxiliary Bishop from Managua, Nicaragua, underscoring strong regional ties. Nicaragua Media Under Pressure: Radio Stereo Romance, an independent station silenced after 31 years, is highlighted again as Nicaragua remains among the worst places for journalism in Latin America. Regional Watch: Costa Rica is moving to jail illegal gold miners for up to a decade as the gold crisis deepens, while Panama and Costa Rica push a rail corridor plan that could reshape Central America travel and freight. Immigration Courts Still Moving: TPS revocations are back before the U.S. Supreme Court, keeping uncertainty high for hundreds of thousands of protected residents.

Immigration Crackdown: Idaho Governor Brad Little says “Operation No Return” has removed dozens more dangerous illegal alien criminals, pushing the total to nearly 100, with mugshots now posted on the state dashboard and deportations planned under the 287(g) program. Central America Infrastructure: Panama and Costa Rica are moving from talk to blueprint on a cross-border rail corridor, with a Panama–David–Paso Canoas line aimed at cutting a road trip to about three hours for passengers and dramatically speeding freight. Nicaragua Media Under Pressure: Nicaragua’s long-running Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years, following years of harassment and restrictions tied to the post-2018 crackdown. Diplomacy: Nicaragua and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic reaffirmed friendship and solidarity during a ceremony marking the POLISARIO Front’s 53rd anniversary. Business/Tech: UCC Networks says it helped Multi-Encomiendas unify customer communications across Latin America, adding AI tools and better contact-center visibility.

Nicaragua–Sahrawi ties: Nicaragua and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic reaffirmed “friendship and solidarity” at an official ceremony marking the POLISARIO Front’s 53rd anniversary, with Nicaragua’s National Assembly president and foreign ministry co-minister stressing shared resistance to colonialism and expansionism. Press freedom crackdown: After 31 years on air, Nicaragua’s Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced, part of a wider squeeze on independent media under the Ortega-Murillo government. Diplomacy in motion: Nicaragua’s ambassador-designate to Venezuela received formal “style copies,” as Managua and Caracas reiterated cooperation through CELAC and ALBA. Regional spillovers: Costa Rica moved to jail illegal gold miners for up to a decade as the gold crisis deepens, while Tropical Storm Eta’s flooding hit Florida hard—another reminder of how quickly instability can cascade.

Sanctions Showdown: China is pushing back hard after the U.S. sanctioned five Chinese oil refineries, warning banks and suppliers they could face lawsuits in Chinese courts if they comply with Washington. World Cup Buzz: Panama is set for its second FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026 after a strong qualifying run, aiming to “put the country on the map.” Nicaragua Media Crackdown: Nicaragua’s Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years on air, following years of harassment tied to the post-2018 crackdown. Immigration Fallout (US): A Dallas case tied to Nicaragua is back in the spotlight after DHS/ICE said two accused suspects face capital murder charges in the death of an unborn baby. Regional Crime (Costa Rica): Costa Rica’s lawmakers are moving toward tougher jail terms for illegal gold mining, targeting not just miners but the supply chain behind it.

Nicaragua Media Crackdown: Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years on air, following years of harassment and restrictions tied to the post-2018 crackdown, with Nicaragua now ranked among the worst places for journalism in Latin America. Diplomatic Moves: Nicaragua’s ambassador-designate to Venezuela, Daysi Ivette Torres Bosques, received formal “style copies” in Caracas as Managua and Caracas reaffirm cooperation in CELAC and ALBA. Regional Security & Migration: In the U.S., DHS/ICE highlighted a Dallas capital-murder case involving a Nicaraguan man accused in the shooting death of an unborn baby, while other coverage points to broader chaos for immigrant families amid enforcement pressure. Humanitarian Weather: Tropical Storm Eta’s flooding already drenched South Florida, stranding residents and swamping neighborhoods. Business & Payments: RS2 expanded its Latin America payment services to include Nicaragua among other markets, signaling continued digital infrastructure push across the region.

Media Crackdown in Nicaragua: Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years on air, ending a long fight against harassment and restrictions since the 2018 protests, with Nicaragua again ranking among the worst places for journalism in Latin America. U.S. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. State Department says it will pursue “remigration” instead of “replacement migration,” rejecting a UN migration pact and framing the shift as security and cohesion protection. Regional Justice in Costa Rica: Costa Rica moves to jail people tied to illegal gold mining for up to a decade, aiming to hit not just miners but the logistics that fuel the trade. Diplomacy Signals: Nicaragua’s ambassador-designate to Venezuela received formal accreditation steps in Caracas, underscoring continued Managua-Caracas ties. Human Rights Backlash: Human Rights Watch warns U.S. foreign aid cuts in 2025 disrupted investigations and victim support across 16 countries, calling it a boon for autocrats.

Press Freedom Crackdown: Nicaragua’s Radio Stereo Romance was forcibly silenced after 31 years, ending a long run of independent local news despite years of harassment and exile for staff. Foreign Policy Spotlight: A new discussion on Russia’s renewed engagement with the “Global South” frames Moscow’s shift as sanctions-driven and multipolar. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana amid warnings that Washington’s “red lines” could be enforced if talks fail. Immigration Fallout in the U.S.: In Dallas, two people accused of capital murder in a shooting that killed an unborn baby are now charged—fueling fresh political pressure on immigration enforcement. Nicaragua in the Region: Nicaragua’s ambassador-designate to Venezuela received formal “style copies,” underscoring continued diplomatic ties with Caracas. Human Rights Funding: Human Rights Watch says U.S. foreign aid cuts in 2025 damaged global rights work, leaving defenders with fewer tools and support.

Immigration Fallout in Florida: A Nicaraguan family in the U.S. says the detention of their father has left their terminally ill 4-year-old daughter in a motel room in Miami, with deportation looming after an immigration arrest tied to a traffic stop. U.S.-Cuba Pressure: CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana as Washington tightens its oil-blockade push, warning Cuba that talks won’t last forever and hinting at “enforcement” if dialogue fails. Nicaragua in the Spotlight Abroad: U.S. officials also tied a Dallas capital-murder case to a Nicaragua-born suspect, while another report notes a major smuggling sentence involving routes that included Nicaragua. Remittances Under Scrutiny: A New York mayor urged regulators to block a Western Union merger, citing how the smaller Intermex is gaining share on U.S.-to-Nicaragua corridors. Diplomatic Moves: Nicaragua’s ambassador-designate to Venezuela received formal “Style Copies” in Caracas, signaling continued Managua-Caracas ties.