AGP Executive Report

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform on Sept. 1 that would extend presidential terms to seven years and bar “traitors to the homeland” from running for office, with a second vote still scheduled for January before it takes effect. US-Nicaragua Relations: The U.S. State Department says the Ortega-Murillo “power grab” has undermined elections and urges international partners to stop “business as usual” with Nicaragua. Cuba Security Spillover: Cuban security chief Emir Mesa Corona appeared publicly alongside Raúl Castro after rumors of Castro’s death and health collapse circulated online. Immigration & Visas: The U.S. released the DV-2026 Diversity Visa “Green Card lottery” ineligibility list, naming 19 barred countries, including Cuba; separate reporting highlights ongoing deportation pressure on immigrants in the U.S. Public Safety: At least 10 people died after consuming illegally produced alcohol in India, with police suspecting methanol poisoning.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a first-round constitutional reform on Sept. 1 that would extend presidential terms from six to seven years and bar people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from running for office, with a second vote still required before the changes take effect. US-Nicaragua Relations: The U.S. State Department says the Ortega-Murillo move further erodes democracy and urges international partners to stop “business as usual” with the government. Diplomacy Watch: China’s foreign ministry reiterated its noninterference stance after questions about Nicaragua’s constitutional reforms, saying it supports ties based on mutual respect. Health & Borders: A cross-border reporting project highlights Mesoamerican nephropathy, a kidney crisis affecting Central Americans and also showing up among people who work in the U.S. Local Culture: Rep. María Elvira Salazar posted on Nicaragua’s political situation and also pushed a new push against tuberculosis, linking the country’s governance debate to global health priorities.

Constitutional Overhaul in Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a partial constitutional reform on Sept. 1 that would extend presidential terms from six to seven years and bar people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from running for office or holding key posts, with a second vote still required in 2027 before it takes effect. China Signals Noninterference: China’s foreign ministry reiterated its noninterference stance after questions about Nicaragua’s constitutional changes, saying it will deepen “mutual respect” ties and expand cooperation. U.S. Pressure on Ortega Era: U.S. lawmakers and officials continue pushing to isolate Nicaragua after Ortega-Murillo moves to exclude opposition from elections, while international rights groups warn the reforms amount to a power grab. Nicaragua in the Spotlight Beyond Politics: A Global TIES for Children research team tied to early childhood programs in Nicaragua received the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, highlighting home-visiting quality-improvement work. Culture & Coffee: A limited-edition coffee collaboration ahead of Anthrax’s new album uses Nicaraguan Catuai as part of its blend.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a partial constitutional reform in León that would bar people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from running for office or holding leadership roles, while also extending terms from six to seven years for top officials, including Ortega and Murillo; the changes still need a second approval in 2027 to take effect. U.S.-Nicaragua Pressure: U.S. lawmakers and officials are again urging partners to “stop business as usual” with Nicaragua after the Ortega-Murillo power grab and opposition exclusion from elections. China-Nicaragua Diplomacy: China’s foreign ministry reiterated its noninterference stance after Nicaragua’s constitutional reforms, saying it will deepen “mutual respect and win-win” ties, with Nicaragua’s exports including sugar, beef, coffee, and seafood. Regional Context: The U.S. also announced a partial stake in Venezuela’s oilfields, drawing criticism across Venezuela’s political spectrum. Human Rights Watch: A rights-focused commentary says Nicaragua’s constitutional changes amount to a usurpation of power and further restrict critical voices.

Constitutional Reform: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a partial constitutional overhaul that would bar people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from running for office and extend key terms from six to seven years, including for Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo; the change still needs a second approval in 2027 before taking effect. International Response: Human rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the move as a power grab that shuts down political competition, while the OAS has criticized Nicaragua for using constitutional changes to exclude critical voices. China-Nicaragua Ties: China reiterated its noninterference stance amid Nicaragua’s constitutional reforms, saying it will keep building “friendly ties” with Managua; trade links highlighted include sugar, beef, coffee, and seafood. US Pressure on Managua: Multiple reports say the U.S. is urging partners to stop “business as usual” with Nicaragua following the opposition ban. Culture & Books: A new English translation of Sergio Ramírez’s Nicaragua-set novel Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea spotlights how poetry and power intertwine in the country’s turbulent history.

Constitutional Crackdown in Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a partial constitutional reform in León that would bar people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from running for office, serving in party leadership, or holding public posts, and it also extends terms for top officials from six to seven years; the change still needs a second approval in 2027 before taking effect. OAS Slams Reform: The OAS secretary general said the move turns the constitution into a tool to exclude dissenting voices and restrict political participation. U.S. Push to Isolate Managua: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged partners to “stop business as usual” with Nicaragua after the vote, calling the legislature captive to Ortega and Murillo. Regional Context: The week also saw broader coverage of U.S. pressure on Nicaragua, including calls to cut off routine dealings following the opposition ban.

Constitutional Crackdown: Nicaragua’s National Assembly unanimously approved constitutional reforms that bar opposition figures labeled “traitors to the homeland” from elections and extend the presidential term from six to seven years, with a second vote due in January—sparking sharp condemnation from human rights groups and the OAS. US Push to Isolate Managua: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged international partners to stop “business as usual” with Nicaragua and to use the OAS to isolate the Ortega-Murillo government after the vote. Regional Repercussions: The OAS Secretary General said the reform turns the constitution into a tool to exclude dissenting voices, warning it closes democratic space. Local/Community Notes: Hispanic Heritage Month events continue across the region, including celebrations tied to Nicaragua’s independence date on Sept. 15. Migration & Visas: Costa Rica opened a legal status pathway for thousands of eligible foreigners, including certain Nicaraguans, while a U.S. court lifted a suspension on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries.

Nicaragua Politics: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged international partners to “stop business as usual” with Nicaragua after the National Assembly approved constitutional changes that bar opposition parties from elections and extend the Ortega-Murillo terms, warning the reforms further entrench the ruling dynasty and close democratic space. OAS Reaction: The OAS secretary general said the rewrite turns the constitution into a tool to exclude dissenting voices, citing limits on political participation and the use of “traitors to the homeland” labels. Next Steps: The reform needs a second legislative approval in January to take effect, with ratification expected later. Local Impact Abroad: A separate report notes Nicaragua is among the countries affected by a U.S. immigrant visa processing update after a federal judge struck down a 75-country suspension, lifting the ban for those nationalities. Regional Watch: The week also included coverage of U.S. efforts to isolate Managua through OAS diplomacy, alongside ongoing concerns about civic space and political rights.

Constitutional Crackdown: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved constitutional reforms that bar most opposition from elections and extend the terms of President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo from six to seven years, pushing the next vote to 2028. OAS and Rights Pressure: The OAS Secretary General said the changes turn Nicaragua’s constitution into a tool to exclude dissent, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Washington will use the OAS to isolate Managua and urge partners to stop “business as usual.” U.S. and Florida Voices: Rubio’s move drew support from Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who called the reforms democracy’s “death certificate.” Diplomatic Fallout: Separate reporting highlights how Nicaragua’s political tightening is also affecting citizens abroad, including passport renewal hurdles. Health Watch (Florida): Florida confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Orange County, with dozens more cases statewide this year and travel links that include Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Politics: Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform that bars people labeled “traitors” or “coup plotters” from running in elections and extends Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s terms from six to seven years, with the election scheduled for November 2026 pushed to 2028 pending a second legislative vote in 2027. Indigenous Rights: The U.S. demanded Nicaragua release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison in May after being detained since 2023; Washington says Rivera’s family and community members were arrested after trying to claim his body and that enforced disappearances continue. Health & Industry: Nicaragua’s Social Security Institute says its vaccine biotechnology plant has produced eight million vaccines this year, including millions of Convasell doses, and is exploring future packaging and new vaccine lines. Regional Context: A new Latin American push against antisemitism is underway as more governments adopt the IHRA definition, while political shifts across the region are also reshaping ties with Israel. Climate Watch: A strengthened El Niño threatens hunger for up to 60 million people, with drought impacts hitting Central America’s dry corridor including Nicaragua.

U.S.-Nicaragua Tensions: The U.S. demanded Nicaragua release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison in May, after relatives were arrested and their whereabouts remain unknown, with Washington calling it “enforced disappearance.” Public Health & Industry: Nicaragua’s Social Security Institute says its biotechnology plant has produced 8 million vaccines this year, including 2.1 million injectable doses in 2025, and is exploring future packaging for HPV and a dengue vaccine by 2029. Immigration Policy Ripple Effects: USCIS said it will comply with a court order to restart thousands of suspended immigration processes, including for Cubans and nationals of 39 countries, even as it disputes the ruling. Regional Energy Geopolitics: Washington finalized a direct ownership stake in Venezuelan oil fields previously influenced by Chinese and Russian firms, a move framed as shifting energy leverage and affecting global supply chains. Sports Spotlight: Curaçao celebrated its Little League World Series title after beating Nicaragua 12-3 in the international final.

Central American Court of Justice: The Central American Court of Justice quietly shut down after Honduras withdrew in May 2026, ending one of the region’s earliest permanent international courts. U.S. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. lifted a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, effective Aug. 21, after a federal court ruling—while separate reporting says Trump expanded “third-country” deportations, sending people including Nicaraguans to African nations. Deportation Fallout in Mexico: A new report describes how mass deportation has reshaped Nicaragua-to-Mexico migration routes, swelling humanitarian strain at shelters in Nogales and Tapachula. Local Legal Fight: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s 287(g) ICE agreements, a case tied to a deportation to Nicaragua. Regional Health Training: PAHO/WHO ran a bioinformatics course in Panama City for labs across Central America, including Nicaragua, to strengthen genomic surveillance. Sports & Culture: Martfilms boarded “Looking for Sam,” a follow-up to Mariana Rondón’s “Bad Hair,” and Cuban chess players shined at the Panama Open.

Third-Country Deportations: New U.S. documents say the Trump administration expanded “third-country” deportations, sending more than 100 people—including Afghans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans—to eight African nations over 10 days, with many removed to countries they’ve never lived in. Legal Fight Over Immigration Enforcement: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s 287(g) agreements with ICE, a case tied to a barber deported to Nicaragua under the program. Human Cost of Deportation: A new WOLA report describes how mass deportation reshaped Mexico’s shelters and border conditions, with more people expelled from the U.S. and facing worsening humanitarian conditions. Local Impact in the U.S.: In Miami, two Nicaraguan nationals and a Mexican man face attempted murder charges after a stabbing tied to a dispute outside a Little Havana restaurant, with immigration holds in place. Nicaragua in the News: A Nicaraguan man was convicted in Del Rio of illegally re-entering the U.S. after a prior deportation.

US Immigration Crackdown: The Trump administration expanded “third country” deportations, sending more than 100 people over 10 days—including deportees from Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua and others—to eight African nations under secret agreements, according to internal documents. Legal Fight Over Deportations: Rights groups say an Afghan man protected by a US judge from return to Afghanistan was still deported to the Central African Republic, raising fresh alarm about asylum protections. Regional Security & Energy: A separate report says the US is taking majority control of Venezuela’s oil, with the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital seeking stakes and preferential output rights. Nicaragua Link in the Mix: The deportation flights reportedly included people from Nicaragua, underscoring how Managua can show up in US policy far beyond the region. Environment & Wildlife: Costa Rica’s wildlife trafficking is increasingly moving to social media and encrypted sales, with complaints rising sharply in recent years. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Nicaragua, to speed financing and de-risk deployments.

US Deportations to “Third Countries”: The Trump administration deported dozens of migrants to the Central African Republic, including 12 Afghans and eight Iranians, with advocates saying the policy uses secret agreements to send people to places they have no ties to. One Afghan man was reportedly protected by a US judge from removal to Afghanistan over Taliban persecution fears tied to his brothers’ US-linked work, yet was still sent to Bangui. Nicaragua in the Mix: The same flight reportedly included “several people from Nicaragua,” underscoring how the crackdown is reaching beyond the migrants’ home countries. Little League Spotlight: In Williamsport, Curacao beat Japan again and advanced to the international championship, where they’ll face the winner of the US bracket. Regional Energy Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Nicaragua, aiming to speed financing and de-risk clean energy rollouts.

US Immigration Crackdown: The Trump administration sent more than 100 deportees from Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua and other countries to multiple African nations under “third country” deals, including a case where an Afghan man protected by a US judge from return to Afghanistan was instead deported to the Central African Republic. Legal Pressure on ICE: Lawyers say ICE violated a court order in Baltimore by overcrowding holding rooms and limiting access to medical care, with claims of repeated capacity breaches. Nicaragua in the Deportation Mix: Reports say the Central African Republic flight included people from Nicaragua alongside Afghans and Iranians, highlighting how deportations can route people far from their home countries. Regional Security Politics: US Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez warned about China’s influence in Latin America and referenced Nicaragua among authoritarian targets in posts. Local Court Watch: In Ghana, “Powder Guy” denied visa-fraud charges but was granted bail—an example of how migration promises keep fueling legal cases. Energy & Climate: IRENA invited Central America and Caribbean developers, including Nicaragua, to seek financing for renewable projects. Sports: Curaçao beat Japan to reach the Little League World Series title game, after Japan edged past Nicaragua earlier in the tournament.