🌎 Americas

Trump Administration Labels Ecuadorian Gangs as Terrorist Threats
September 4 @ 4:13pm ET  
The Trump administration has designated Ecuadorian gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This move aims to curb violence and drug trafficking with U.S. support in Ecuador.
Trump's Military Directive on Cartels Sparks Latin American Concerns
August 11 @ 9:38am ET  
President Trump's directive to use military force against Latin American drug cartels has sparked fears of renewed U.S. interference. Leaders like Mexico's President Sheinbaum reject any invasion, reviving historical tensions.
Panama's Leader Supports Legal Action to Control Canal Ports
August 4 @ 10:06am ET  
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino supports lawsuits to control key Panama Canal ports. This threatens a $22.8 billion sale by CK Hutchison to a U.S. firm.
Haitian Gangs Release UNICEF Staff After 3-Week Hostage Ordeal
July 30 @ 3:31am ET  
Five UNICEF employees were freed after a 3-week hostage ordeal by Haitian gangs in Port-au-Prince on July 28. The incident highlights the escalating violence and ransom tactics plaguing Haiti.
U.S. Targets Hezbollah's Latin American Finances with $10 Million Reward
July 28 @ 4:06pm ET  
The U.S. State Department offers a $10 million reward to disrupt Hezbollah's financial networks in Latin America. The focus is on money laundering operations in the Tri-Border Area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Ecuadorian Drug Lord 'Fito' Extradited to US for Drug and Weapons Charges
July 24 @ 4:14am ET  
Ecuador has extradited José Adolfo 'Fito' Macías Villamar, leader of Los Choneros, to the US to face drug and weapons charges. He pleaded not guilty in New York after his dramatic prison escape and recapture.
Chevron Seals $53 Billion Hess Deal, Secures Guyana Oil Assets
July 18 @ 4:16pm ET  
Chevron has completed its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. on July 17, gaining access to Guyana's Stabroek Block with 11 billion barrels of oil. This historic deal enhances Chevron's global energy market position.
U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Cuban Leader Díaz-Canel on 11J Anniversary
July 18 @ 1:31pm ET  
The U.S. imposed visa restrictions on Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel on the fourth anniversary of the 11J protests. This action targets human rights violations following the 2021 uprising against communist rule.
US Seeks Extradition of Ecuador's Notorious Drug Lord Fito Macías
July 11 @ 4:00pm ET  
The US has requested the extradition of José Adolfo 'Fito' Macías, leader of Ecuador's violent Los Choneros gang. Facing seven counts in the US, his case highlights international efforts against drug trafficking.
Guatemala Rocked by Over 37 Earthquakes, Leaving Two Dead
July 9 @ 4:01pm ET  
Guatemala was hit by over 37 earthquakes and aftershocks on July 8, 2025, with magnitudes up to 5.7, causing two deaths. Landslides and building collapses have prompted school closures and evacuations in the region.
Rosa María Payá Elected as IACHR Commissioner by OAS Member States
June 30 @ 4:02am ET  
Cuban activist Rosa María Payá was elected as IACHR commissioner by the OAS on June 27 with 20 votes. Her appointment marks a significant step for human rights advocacy in the Americas.
Haiti's International Police Mission: A Year of Struggle and Uncertainty
June 26 @ 1:24pm ET  
One year after an international police force was sent to Haiti to combat gang violence, its impact is limited. Funding uncertainties and new tactics like drone use raise concerns about the mission's future.
Ecuador Captures Fugitive Gang Leader 'Fito' After Year-Long Manhunt
June 26 @ 1:18pm ET  
Ecuadorian authorities have recaptured José Adolfo Macías, alias 'Fito,' over a year after his escape from Guayaquil prison. The Los Choneros gang leader faces extradition to the U.S. for drug and weapons charges.
Peru Earthquake Rattles Lima: 1 Dead, 5 Injured in Coastal Tremor
June 18 @ 4:05am ET  
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Peru's coast on June 15, rattling Lima and Callao, leaving one dead and five injured. Damage to roads and schools was reported, with President Boluarte urging calm amid recovery efforts.
Haiti's Drone War on Gangs Sparks International Law Debate
June 18 @ 3:30am ET  
Haiti's government is using drones to combat gang leaders controlling Port-au-Prince, but experts argue this violates international law. The strikes raise concerns over civilian safety and legal transparency.
Dominican Republic Nightclub Owner Arrested After Deadly Roof Collapse
June 17 @ 1:15pm ET  
The roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo killed 236 people, including singer Rubby Pérez. Owner Antonio Espaillat, aware of structural issues, faces charges with a maximum two-year sentence.
Violeta Chamorro, Nicaragua's Trailblazing Former President, Passes at 95
June 17 @ 4:12am ET  
Violeta Chamorro, Nicaragua's first female president, passed away at 95 on June 14 in Costa Rica. Her legacy as a peacekeeper and democratic leader endures after ending the civil war.
Starlink's South American Expansion Stalls in Bolivia Over Sovereignty Concerns
June 9 @ 4:15pm ET  
Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, faces a roadblock in Bolivia despite its success across South America. The country's refusal to grant a license raises concerns over sovereignty and foreign control.
Guatemala's Fuego Volcano Eruption: Over 700 Evacuated Amid Crisis
June 9 @ 4:08am ET  
Guatemala's Fuego Volcano erupted on June 4, forcing over 700 evacuations due to ash and lava flows. Authorities are monitoring the situation as activity decreases but warn of potential future risks.
Greenland's Strategic Rise: Geopolitical Tensions and Future Prospects
June 5 @ 9:01pm ET  
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a geopolitical hotspot due to its strategic Arctic location and vast resources. Past troubles linger as global powers like the U.S. and China compete for influence over its future.
Guatemalan Man Returned to U.S. After Wrongful Deportation Under Trump
June 5 @ 4:16pm ET  
A Guatemalan man, wrongly deported to Mexico, was returned to the U.S. after a judge's order criticized the lack of due process. This marks a rare compliance by the Trump administration with judicial directives on immigration.
U.S. Revokes Visas of Central American Officials Over Cuban Doctor Exploitation
June 5 @ 11:31am ET  
The U.S. has revoked visas for Central American officials exploiting Cuban doctors, as announced by Secretary Rubio on June 2. This targets those linked to forced labor schemes in medical missions.
Caribbean Faces Record Sargassum Surge in May, Threatening Tourism
June 4 @ 4:05pm ET  
A record 38 million metric tons of sargassum seaweed hit the Caribbean in May, disrupting tourism and harming ecosystems. More is expected in June, threatening shorelines from Puerto Rico to Guyana.
Massive Sahara Dust Cloud Blankets Caribbean, Heads for US Shores
June 4 @ 10:08am ET  
A massive Sahara dust cloud has blanketed the Caribbean, spanning 2,000 miles, and is now heading toward the US. Expected to hit Florida by mid-week, it will affect air quality in several southeastern states by Friday.
Federal Judge Orders Return of Guatemalan Migrant Under Trump Administration
May 29 @ 3:31pm ET  
A federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the Trump administration to return a Guatemalan migrant deported without due process. This ruling highlights ongoing issues with immigration policies and asylum seeker treatment.
Haiti Turns to Erik Prince for Help Against Gang Violence
May 28 @ 2:45pm ET  
Haiti has enlisted Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, to combat gang violence controlling much of Port-au-Prince. His controversial contract involves lethal operations amid a deepening security crisis.
US Slams Maduro's 'Sham' Essequibo Election Amid Guyana Dispute
May 28 @ 4:00am ET  
The U.S. criticized Venezuela's May 25 election for Essequibo, a disputed region with Guyana, calling it a 'sham.' This move by Maduro's regime escalates tensions over the oil-rich territory.
U.S. Announces $2 Million Reward for Capture of South American Drug Lord
May 26 @ 4:02am ET  
The U.S. has offered a $2 million reward for the arrest of Sebastian Marset Cabrera, a notorious South American drug trafficker. His criminal network spans multiple continents, prompting a global manhunt.
Marco Rubio Announces Chevron's Venezuela Oil License Expiry on May 27
May 23 @ 10:06am ET  
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Chevron's oil license in Venezuela expires on May 27. This could impact U.S. energy policy and Venezuela's oil output.
Venezuela Halts Colombia Flights Over Mercenary Threat Claims
May 22 @ 4:03pm ET  
Venezuela has suspended all flights from Colombia, citing mercenary threats ahead of local elections. This move has strained relations and disrupted travel and trade between the two nations.
US Air Force Veteran Joseph St. Clair Released From Venezuelan Custody
May 21 @ 4:13am ET  
US Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair has been released from Venezuelan detention, bringing relief to his family. His parents shared, 'We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,' marking a heartfelt reunion.
Tragic Collision at Brooklyn Bridge Claims Lives of Mexican Navy Cadets
May 20 @ 4:04pm ET  
A tragic collision between the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc and the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17 claimed the lives of two cadets, América Yamilet Sánchez and Adal Jair Marcos. Investigations are underway to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.