Hard-right lawyer and businessman who won Colombia's presidency amid a razor-thin margin, pledging tough action on crime and a return to Israel ties.
The updates cover ongoing immigration issues across several countries: Colombia's tuition-free policy impact and its political transitions; U.S. courts discussing CDL authority and deportation matters; France dealing with deportation orders for immigrant students; and a U.S. judge ruling on entrapment in a voting case.
Fighting in Cauca between Misak and Nasa Indigenous groups has intensified, prompting security deployments and a UN call for calm. At least seven dead and over 110 injured have been reported, with authorities urging dialogue while vigilante actions are deterred.
Abelardo de la Espriella has surged to the top in the first round with about 43% of the vote, ahead of Iván Cepeda (≈41%), triggering a runoff on June 21. The far-right outsider promises hardline security and mega-prisons, while Cepeda advocates Petro’s continuity and Total Peace. Valencia trails after a major collapse.
Conservative Keiko Fujimori maintains a razor-thin lead over leftist Roberto Sánchez amid a drawn-out vote count. Officials expect a final result in coming weeks as ballots require review, with overseas votes increasingly pivotal to the outcome.
Colombia’s president has sparked international backlash by posting the Nazi slogan “Heil Hitler,” drawing condemnations from Israeli leaders and Latin American lawmakers. The remarks have intensified scrutiny ahead of the June 21 runoff, with critics warning against references that distort Holocaust memory and destabilize democratic debate.
Dissidents from the Bolivarian Army have surrendered their weapons in Putumayo, Colombia, as President Petro pursues a “total peace” strategy. About 99 rebels have handed over arms and will enter a temporary relocation zone under government supervision, signaling progress in negotiations amid a presidential runoff.”
Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia’s presidential runoff with 49.7% to Iván Cepeda’s 48.7%, signaling a shift to the right. The victory could reshape security policy, economics, and relations with the United States as protests flare in several cities.
Abelardo de la Espriella has secured a narrow victory in Colombia's presidential runoff, pledging a hard-line security approach and a renewed alliance with Israel. Iván Cepeda contests the result as Petro-era policies face upheaval. Protests erupt in Cali as results tighten and markets watch for policy shifts.
Colombia, Peru and Brazil are moving right in a regional shift that could reshape how the Amazon is managed. De la Espriella in Colombia has secured a narrow win, while Peru is poised to elect Fujimori. Brazil faces a high-stakes election that could redefine environmental policy amid deforestation concerns.
De la Espriella has won the runoff by under a point and pledges to restore Colombia's ties with the United States and Israel, reversing Petro-era policies amid rising violence.
The United States–backed Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia’s presidential runoff, defeating Iván Cepeda by about 250,000 votes. Cepeda has conceded after the official count matched the preliminary tally, and Petro announces a transition. De la Espriella pledges a hardline security stance and closer ties with allies, while Cepeda’s camp highlights foreign interference. The transition date is set for August 7.
Colombia’s presidential runoff winner is under pressure over US citizenship and possible conflicts of interest. Senator Iván Cepeda has urged Abelardo de la Espriella to renounce his US citizenship and clarify whether he is an agent of the United States. Cepeda warns of civil disobedience if legality conditions are not met.
Colombia has elected far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella in a razor-thin runoff that has polarised politics. Outgoing president Gustavo Petro has accused external interference and data-driven tactics while the new president promises tough security, energy expansion and tax cuts. Congress remains dominated by Petro’s allies, setting up institutional clashes.
Brazil's deforestation rate has fallen by half in Lula's first year back in office, with 1,295 sq km cleared from January to June, the lowest since 2016. Lula defers to his government on zero-deforestation targets while facing criticisms over oil exploration near the Amazon mouth and shifting U.S. tariffs amid a tight election race.
Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the transition with incumbent President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of planning a coup. Petro denies fraud and international observers have praised the vote. The new cabinet is being announced as tensions rise over governance, oil policy, and the future of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
The United States planned to send senior officials to monitor Brazil’s October elections, but Brazilian authorities denied visas, accusing the move of implying electoral interference. Lula da Silva’s government says Brazil will safeguard its sovereignty as Bolsonaro’s allies press foreign support. The dispute underscores foreign involvement concerns ahead of the vote.
Colombia reports 119,483 hectares of forest lost in 2025, a 5% rise from 2024, but remains 31% below 2021 levels. Officials cite illegal land grabbing, cattle ranching, and infrastructure as the main drivers while highlighting progress in national parks and community conservation efforts.
Two separate bombing attacks have marred Abelardo de la Espriella’s first day in office, killing at least one police officer and wounding others. The army has blamed dissident FARC factions for a tollbooth car bomb near Cali and reports say a drone strike hit a police station in Cesar. De la Espriella has promised a relentless crackdown and the US has pledged a $1bn security package.
Petro claims thousands of tally sheets were manipulated after counts were transmitted, a charge rejected by electoral authorities and international observers as Colombia prepares to inaugurate the new president after a tightly contested election.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
The US is considering an off-ramp from the Iran conflict as officials say air strikes alone may fail to meet goals. Discussions involve top advisers and notes of potential agreements with Iran and Oman over Hormuz shipping routes. Officials deny public discussion of confidential conversations.
A powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia on Monday morning, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó. The USGS has measured magnitude 7.4; Colombia’s geological service initially reported 6.6. Authorities have confirmed dozens of deaths, widespread building collapses in Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales, and large-scale evacuations and search operations.
Colombia has recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the United States in this position. The government says the move is essential to Israel's national defense, and follows the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged closer ties with Israel and the US. The decision comes amid regional instability and a devastating earthquake in western Colombia.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, focusing damage in Chocó and Valle del Cauca. The government has declared a state of emergency as rescuers search for survivors. Officials report confirmed deaths and injuries, with continued aftershocks and mounting infrastructure damage.
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake has struck western Colombia, with Cali, Pereira and surrounding Valle del Cauca experiencing extensive damage. The new president Abelardo de la Espriella has mobilised the military and police and declared a national emergency as rescue services race to reach survivors amid collapsed buildings and missing people.