International
Government says it does not have full control of Paraguayan prison

October 18 |
The Minister of Justice of Paraguay, Angel Barchini, acknowledged that they do not have full control of the country’s penitentiaries and in the specific case of the Tacumbú prison, admitted that there is an entire ward in charge of the inmates.
Barchini pronounced himself in these terms in a meeting that he held this Monday with prison officials of the Tacumbú prison.
The head of Justice spoke of the different claims and requests made by the prison guards. “They are demanding life insurance, which I consider absolutely fair and necessary due to the risk they run every day in the execution of their work”, he said.
According to the minister, “The use of technology, equipment, uniforms, weapons, provision of resources for the transfer of the penitentiaries. We were talking about a general problem of the functioning of the penitentiary centers”, he pointed out.
The Minister acknowledged that “Not everything is under control, we have a high risk that this situation that arose a few days ago continues to occur”, he said. He was referring to a riot that left the largest prison in the country in the hands of the inmates.
He acknowledged that, even today, “There is a sector of the prison that is in charge, the D pavilion”. He added that, nevertheless, “We want with our intervention and with the collaboration of our fellow prison officials to be able to regain absolute control of the penitentiary centers,” he said.
Regarding the situation of those responsible for prison security, the minister said that the officials remain firm in their position of not entering the Tacumbú penitentiary until they receive answers to their demands.
“They are going to stay outside because they have some fair demands,” he said.
The Secretary of State explained that 80 percent of the weapons in the Tacumbú penitentiary have been recovered, but it is still not known where the rest are, which are suspected to be in the hands of the inmates.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston

Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation

A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
-
Internacionales5 days ago
Trump leads Pentagon ceremony honoring September 11 victims
-
Central America5 days ago
Honduran president Xiomara Castro suspends activities due to influenza
-
Central America5 days ago
El Salvador to host World Cup qualifiers vs. Guatemala and Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán
-
International5 days ago
Poland invokes NATO Article 4 after russian drone incursion
-
International4 days ago
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced for leading armed criminal plot after 2022 election loss
-
International4 days ago
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
-
International1 day ago
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
-
Sin categoría3 days ago
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
-
International1 day ago
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants