International
López Obrador denies that there will be more migrants deported to Mexico due to restrictions in the United States
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador denied that he increased the number of migrants deported to Mexico after the new restrictions on asylum in the United States promulgated last week by the Joe Biden government.
The president argued in his morning conference that after a “crisis” in December, with 12,000 daily migrants intercepted at the U.S. border with Mexico, the figure has fallen almost 56% to 5,506 on May 9, so he expects this trend to continue.
“No (it implies more migrants returned to Mexico), we are like this (with this trend). We’re doing well,” López Obrador replied to the express question in his morning conference.
The Mexican ruler referred to the rule promulgated on Thursday by the Biden government to instruct immigration agents to prohibit people considered a “risk to public or national security” from applying for asylum and being, therefore, admitted within the United States.
The US authorities immediately expel rejected applicants to Mexico or enter a formal deportation process, depending on their nationality.
But López Obrador asserted that the measures that Biden has adopted, such as opening legal alternatives for migrants from certain Latin American countries, “are helping to prevent the migratory flow from overflowing.”
On the day Washington announced the new restrictions, last Thursday, the Mexican president received Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Biden’s National Security adviser, and the United States ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, at the National Palace.
“It was basically (the meeting) on the migration issue, we are working in a coordinated way. Of course, we do not take our finger off the line so that there are investments by the United States Government to poor countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing the causes,” López Obrador said now.
The president indicated that his Government will “help in the protection of migrants and order the migratory flow.”
“The only thing we want is to be good neighbors, that there is a policy of good neighbourliness, and I have already said it many times, we must integrate more and more economically, we are the main commercial partner in the world, Mexico and the United States, we need each other,” he said.
Although arrests at the common border have decreased during the first months of this year, in 2023 the United States reported a record of more than 2.3 million arrests of migrants.
While Mexico recorded a year-on-year increase of almost 200% in irregular migration intercepted by the Government in the first quarter, up to almost 360,000 people.
Biden and López Obrador agreed at the end of April “to work together to immediately implement concrete measures in order to significantly reduce irregular border crossings and at the same time protect human rights.”
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
-
International20 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
-
International20 hours agoEl Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants