International
Marco Rubio urges Biden to build on Bukele’s success for El Salvador’s Prosperity
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has called on President Joe Biden to leverage the “success” of Nayib Bukele’s reelection in El Salvador to strengthen relations and support the Central American country’s “prosperity.”
In an op-ed for Informe Orwell, Rubio reflected on his visit to El Salvador in March 2023. “What I witnessed was remarkable: under President Nayib Bukele, one of the world’s most dangerous countries had transformed into one of the safest and most promising in the region, all within months. Now that Bukele has been reelected, I urge his administration [Biden] to capitalize on this success and lay the groundwork for prosperity that will outlast his term,” Rubio highlighted.
Furthermore, the Florida lawmaker added that, thanks to President Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador has attracted foreign investment, which would have been impossible before, when Salvadorans suffered under the dominance of gangs, which in turn “further spurred migration.”
“It was terrible and tragic, but it was also accepted as the norm,” he said.
The change that El Salvador now enjoys is evident to Rubio. “When I visited El Salvador a year later, the unthinkable had happened: gang rule had been replaced by law and order. Now, gangs ‘do not exist,’ according to Salvadoran media. The end of the gangs has given El Salvador new life,” reiterated the politician of Cuban descent.
President Bukele’s overwhelming victory in the recent February 4th elections was no surprise at all. He added that the diaspora has given him their full trust and support.
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.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Internacionales5 days agoTrump leads Pentagon ceremony honoring September 11 victims
-
Central America5 days agoHonduran president Xiomara Castro suspends activities due to influenza
-
Central America5 days agoEl Salvador to host World Cup qualifiers vs. Guatemala and Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán
-
International5 days agoPoland invokes NATO Article 4 after russian drone incursion
-
International4 days agoJair Bolsonaro sentenced for leading armed criminal plot after 2022 election loss
-
International4 days agoAuthorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
-
International17 hours ago20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
-
Sin categoría2 days ago22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
-
International17 hours agoEl Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants