Central American republic facing security and humanitarian challenges
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have struck northern Venezuela, flattening buildings in La Guaira and damaging Caracas. Official counts have climbed into the thousands of dead and thousands more are missing; international rescue teams and civilian volunteers have been racing to free survivors from rubble as authorities face criticism over response capacity.
Multiple legal rulings challenge US immigration enforcement practices. A Nevada court blocked a DHS policy allowing detention without bail, while a California judge found border agents violated court orders during warrantless arrests. The cases highlight ongoing legal pushback against aggressive immigration tactics under the current administration.
Al Jazeera has established a secret backup studio in Doha amid fears of Israeli cyberattacks and missile threats. The network is also preparing contingency plans to shift coverage to London and Washington if its main facilities are compromised, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
The Biden administration has continued deporting migrants to countries where they lack ties, including Ecuador, Uganda, and Honduras. Thousands face legal limbo, with many unable to argue asylum claims or return home, raising concerns over policy transparency and migrant safety. This update reflects ongoing deportation practices as of April 6, 2026.
Since early April 2026, the US has begun deporting migrants to third countries including Costa Rica, Congo, and Uganda under new agreements. These deals, funded by the US, allow deportations of migrants whose home countries refuse them. The arrangements face criticism over legality, human rights, and the involvement of repressive governments, with legal challenges underway in Uganda.
A suspected gang member from El Salvador, wanted for questioning in a homicide, attempted to run over officers in Patterson, California. ICE officers fired defensive shots, and the suspect was hospitalized. The incident highlights rising vehicular attacks against immigration enforcement since 2025.
ICE agents have fired shots at a suspect in Patterson, California, after he attempted to run them over with his vehicle. The suspect, wanted in El Salvador for murder, was injured and taken to a hospital. The incident is under investigation, with the FBI involved. The suspect's condition remains unknown.
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez has been involved in a police shooting after a traffic stop in Patterson, California. Authorities allege he drove into agents and reversed into a law enforcement vehicle, prompting officers to fire shots. Mendoza, a suspected gang member, has undergone multiple surgeries for gunshot wounds. His legal status remains disputed.
The Venezuelan government has requested and received the release of some individuals detained over alleged corruption at PDVSA. The move follows ongoing efforts to reduce political prisoners and normalize relations with the U.S., amid criticism over the transparency and fairness of legal processes. Today’s date is Tue, 21 Apr 2026.
The US has been sending migrants from Latin America to Congo under third-country agreements. The first groups have arrived in Kinshasa, with the US covering logistics. Critics raise concerns over legality, human rights, and the stability of destination countries.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly "war on drugs". Judges have found substantial grounds to believe Duterte ordered murders and attempted murders during his terms as mayor and president. The trial will proceed despite his defense claiming mental unfitness. Meanwhile, El Salvador is conducting a mass trial of 486 alleged gang members accused of over 47,000 crimes under President Bukele's crackdown.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
Costa Rica has installed its new president, with outgoing leader Rodrigo Chaves retaining influence as dual presidency/finance minister. The move aligns with a controversial strategy to reform security and judiciary ahead of Fernández's term, while maintaining strong ties to the United States and regionally significant deals on deportations continue.
A U.S. judge has dismissed a prohibition against vindictive prosecution in the Abrego Garcia case, ruling that the government’s actions were tainted by timing and public statements around deportation. The ruling follows a 2025 deportation to El Salvador and a 2026 criminal case that was later dropped while investigations cited potential vindictive motives.
The New World screwworm re-emerged in Texas after decades of eradication, with a calf found in La Pryor marking the first U.S. cattle case since the 1960s. Authorities are deploying sterile flies, expanding production, and tightening cross-border controls as Canada imposes imports limits and additional cases emerge in Texas.
Cristina has formed in the Eastern Pacific with 45 mph winds, guiding heavy rainfall across Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Boris is approaching Mexico’s Pacific coast with 40 mph winds, threatening flash floods and mudslides in Guerrero and Oaxaca. Forecasters warn landfalls and life-threatening weather this week.
Ghana and Panama are entering the World Cup with new systems and strong squads. Queiroz has reshaped Ghana’s midfield and attack, while Christiansen has built a resilient Panama side; both aim to advance from their groups in North America.
U.S. forces have carried out an airstrike that has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as Niño Guerrero, the leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, U.S. and Venezuelan officials have said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have said the operation targeted a compound in Bolívar state earlier this week and involved coordination with Venezuelan security forces.
Presidential aides have faced renewed pressure as internal memos discuss suspending habeas corpus for unauthorized immigrants, prompting constitutional concerns and calls for clarity from Congress.
The UN Secretary-General has visited Port-au-Prince amid gang violence, with UN figures showing 2,300 killed, 1.5 million displaced, and 300,000 in Port-au-Prince. The new Gang Suppression Force is to start operations with multinational troops to support Haiti’s police and armed forces. Prime Minister Didier-Fils-Aimé emphasizes elections and republican rule as security remains paramount.
Jamaica has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. DHS to accept up to 25 third-country migrants every two weeks. The arrangement is non-detention, with housing details to be determined, and costs to be covered by the U.S. It faces opposition from Jamaica’s opposition party and echoes wider Caribbean diplomacy over third-country deportations.
As Guadalajara hosts World Cup matches, families of missing people install posters and a FIFA-inspired campaign to raise visibility of Mexico’s 135,000 disappearances. Local collectives say governments’ priorities overlook the crisis while searches continue across the country.
The Supreme Court has allowed the current administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, directly affecting about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, with broader implications for nearly 1.3 million TPS holders from 17 countries. The decision is seen as a major milestone in immigration policy and signals potential deportations for those losing status.