A total of 68 African nationals have been repatriated from Ghana’s Ashanti Region to their respective countries following court rulings over criminal activities, including involvement in the Q-Net scam and prostitution. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene announced in a Facebook post on December 18, 2025, that those deported included 42 Nigerians, 13 Cameroonians, seven Beninese, three Ivorians, and three Burkinabe nationals. He said the repatriations were carried out in line with due process and commended the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and collaboration with the courts and other security agencies in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining public safety.

Ghana to receive additional $385m from IMF programme

Ghana is set to receive an additional $385 million under its Extended Credit Facility programme after the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed the fifth review of the arrangement. The disbursement brings total IMF support under the 39-month, $3 billion programme approved in May 2023 to about $2.8 billion. In a statement issued from Washington, DC, the IMF said Ghana’s performance under the programme had been generally satisfactory, with all quantitative targets for the review met. The Fund noted that economic growth through September 2025 exceeded expectations, inflation had declined into the Bank of Ghana’s target range, and the external sector strengthened due to robust gold and cocoa exports. While acknowledging progress in financial sector reforms and debt restructuring, the IMF cautioned that vulnerabilities persist in state-owned banks and called for stronger governance and supervision.

Youth unemployment flagged as national security concern

New data from the Ghana Statistical Service show that about 1.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training in the third quarter of 2025, representing 21.5 per cent of that age group. Reacting to the figures on a local radio channel, Citi FM, on December 18, Youth Development and Employment Minister George Opare Addo described the situation as alarming and warned that rising youth unemployment poses a serious national security threat. He said the John Mahama-led administration would intensify efforts to reduce unemployment and re-engage young people in productive economic activities as part of broader measures to safeguard national stability.

Ghana deploys troops abroad amid regional and international crises

Ghana has deployed military personnel to Jamaica and Benin in moves that signal an expansion of its South-South cooperation and regional security role. At a send-off parade in Accra on December 17, President John Mahama said the 14 Engineer Brigade deployed to Jamaica would focus on reconstruction rather than combat following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which killed more than 45 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Ghana is also contributing about 100 personnel to the ECOWAS Standby Force in Benin after an attempted coup earlier in December. While authorities in Benin say the situation is under control, Ghanaian troops remain part of efforts to safeguard constitutional order, even as the deployments have sparked domestic debate over costs, priorities, and executive authority.

Ghana signs WTO law advisory accession protocol in Geneva

Ghana has signed the accession protocol to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, gaining access to specialised legal support for trade disputes. The agreement was signed on December 18, 2025, in Geneva by Ghana’s Ambassador to the WTO, Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi, making Ghana one of 39 developing countries eligible for discounted legal services and training under the centre. The Advisory Centre provides confidential legal advice, representation in dispute settlement proceedings, and capacity-building programmes. While officials say the move will strengthen Ghana’s ability to defend its trade interests, the signing comes amid longstanding concerns about the country’s regulatory capacity and compliance with WTO notification obligations, highlighted during its most recent Trade Policy Review.

So far, Rwanda, Ghana, Uganda, and Eswatini have signed separate agreements with Washington. Each country has accepted small groups of people , most of whom have no personal ties to these nations.

In the latest case, ten people were flown to Eswatini, including individuals from Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen. Rights groups in Eswatini, however, went to court to stop the transfer, arguing it was illegal and violated international law.

The deportees still arrived a day before the hearing resumed in Mbabane. U.S. officials defended the move, saying the policy is meant to handle “uncooperative” countries.

But human rights advocates, including those at Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, call it unethical.

They say it strips people of due process and leaves them stranded in countries where they have no connections or support systems. Governments that agree to the policy often say they are cooperating for diplomatic reasons or humanitarian grounds.

Critics, however, believe some are doing so to maintain good relations with Washington or gain other forms of support.

As Reuters reports, the Eswatini government is now facing a legal challenge over its agreement with the U.S., while there are similar disputes in Ghana over alleged unlawful detentions of deportees.

A spokesperson for the Left and Workers’ Front (FIT-U), the political movement to which Fierro and Peressini belong, confirmed that the two will land in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening, while Bertola is expected to arrive early Thursday morning. Another Argentine participant, Nicolás Calabrese, who has lived in Brazil for a decade, was released earlier over the weekend and has already returned to São Paulo, where he denounced “humiliations and poor conditions” during his detention.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, led by Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, carried over 400 participants from more than 50 countries aboard 42 vessels with humanitarian aid for Gaza. The flotilla, which sought to break the blockade of the enclave, was intercepted by Israeli forces between Thursday and Friday. More than 300 activists have since been released and deported.

The flotilla’s legal team has accused Israel of “serious abuses” against the detainees, despite the Israeli Foreign Ministry maintaining that “all legal rights were fully respected.” Relatives of the Argentine activists held a press conference in Buenos Aires on Monday, calling for their immediate release and condemning the treatment of those held in custody.

University lecturers in Nigeria have emerged among the worst paid in Africa, with professors earning an average of $366 (about ₦500,000) monthly. Findings by local publication Punch show that Nigerian professors earn around $4,400 annually, far behind their South African counterparts who make $57,471 yearly. Other African nations with far smaller economies, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Gabon, Sierra Leone, and Comoros, pay higher. Lecturers in Nigeria have warned that the disparity is worsening brain drain, poor morale, and the flight of academics to government, private, and foreign institutions.

Deportation dispute as U.S., Ghana, and Nigeria clash over returnees

Confusion surrounds the deportation of 14 West Africans from the United States to Ghana. While Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the 13 Nigerians and one Gambian were subsequently repatriated to their home countries on humanitarian grounds, lawyers for four deportees insist they remain in Ghana. Nigeria’s government has also pushed back, saying it was not briefed about its nationals being sent to Ghana, a move critics argue raises legal and diplomatic questions.

UN warns of worsening school closures in West and Central Africa

Nearly 15,000 schools have been shut across West and Central Africa, disrupting the education of more than 3 million children, according to a new UN report. The closures are linked to growing insecurity, conflict, and displacement, with Nigeria and Cameroon worst affected. In Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, more than 80% of schools are closed, affecting over 600,000 children, while in Nigeria, nearly 500 schools remain shut. UNICEF and the Norwegian Refugee Council warn that girls are particularly vulnerable, with risks of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence rising.

Solar-powered recycling plant

A new solar-powered recycling plant has been launched in Onne, Rivers State, by West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria in partnership with Garbage In Value Out (GIVO). The facility can process up to 300 kilograms of plastic waste daily — about 90 metric tons annually. Community members will also earn income by exchanging plastic waste. Project leaders said the initiative will cut 2,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, create jobs for local youth, and provide a sustainable solution to drainage blockages in the maritime community.

Dangote Refinery exports first gasoline cargo to U.S.

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has exported its first gasoline cargo to the United States, marking a milestone in the country’s refining and global trade ambitions. About 320,000 barrels of gasoline were shipped aboard the Gemini Pearl tanker and discharged at Sunoco’s Linden terminal in New York Harbour. The sale, brokered through Mocoh Oil and global trader Vitol, highlights the refinery’s ability to meet strict U.S. fuel standards. The shipment expands Dangote’s export reach, which had previously focused on Europe and West Africa.

A high-profile deal with the United Kingdom, which promised deportees clean accommodations, daily meals, recreational facilities, and satellite television, ultimately collapsed after UK courts deemed Rwanda unsafe for asylum seekers. 

This was despite London committing nearly $500 million, along with individual resettlement payments.

The US is expected to provide significantly less. 

Under a previous agreement, the Trump administration allocated just $6 million to support 300 deportees sent to El Salvador, prompting concerns about the level of care and resources available in Kigali.

While Rwanda remains associated in the global sphere with the 1994 genocide, the country has since rebuilt its image. It is now considered one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most stable economies.

President Paul Kagame, in power since 2000, is widely credited with restoring order and spearheading Rwanda’s development. However, his administration has drawn criticism for eroding democratic freedoms, restricting press and political opposition, and allegedly supporting rebel activity in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the deportation deal proceeds, questions remain about how deportees will be treated — whether they are seen as security threats or simply undocumented individuals.

So how did they end up in the small African kingdom of Eswatini?

That was the question everyone was asking when the news broke on Tuesday that the men had been flown across the Atlantic and incarcerated in a country best known for its safaris and traditional monarchy.

There was no word from either side about what deal had been done, although, as always with Donald Trump, rumours swirled about tariff deals.

Eswatini, it turns out, doesn't trade that much with America - sending around $30 million dollars of goods a year. About 85% of those exports are linked to a single product, sugar.

Which is where Coca-Cola comes in. In most of the world , the company is a huge consumer of sugar, but the USA has always been different. Because of the difficulty of sourcing enough cane sugar to supply the huge demand, the drinks maker uses high-fructose syrup made from locally grown corn.

For years, there have been concerns that the practice contributes to America's obesity epidemic. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jnr has been a particular opponent and seems to have convinced Trump, a famous consumer of no-sugar Diet Coke. Which is how, hours after the news of the deportations broke, Trump made an announcement which gained even more attention on the world stage. Coke would switch its production to use cane sugar.

Coincidence? Possibly. But in Trump's America, you never know.

According to Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the drivers are accustomed to older manual trucks and were overwhelmed by the sophisticated technology . “Many could not feed the required information regarding their preferred directions through tapping onto the screen,” he said at a press conference.

Despite completing advanced training programs and additional courses before deployment, the drivers were deemed unfit for the roles upon arrival in Doha.

Qatar, which has more than 800 vacancies for truck drivers, had allocated between 200 and 350 positions specifically for Tanzanian nationals. The recruitment initiative was coordinated through the Tanzanian Embassy in Doha and the Qatari transport company Mowasalat-Karwa, following bilateral discussions held in March 2025.

Mowasalat had planned to send a delegation to Tanzania in May to conduct practical driving assessments, but those trials were instead carried out in Qatar.

Officials on both sides had seen the recruitment initiative as a step toward strengthening economic ties and addressing employment challenges. Tanzania’s Ambassador to Qatar, Habibu Awesi Mohamed, and Mowasalat’s Government and Employment Relations Manager, Khalid Al Rahiya, had led the negotiations.

In light of the failed deployment, Tanzanian authorities are considering importing a prototype of the high-tech trucks to facilitate hands-on training for future candidates at NIT.

Those interested in the program are being instructed to use a government-run app called CBP Home , which was originally introduced during the Biden administration to manage legal border entries. The app now allows migrants to register their intent to leave the country.

Under the program, participants who demonstrate they are actively preparing to depart will not be prioritised for arrest or detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The DHS said the $1,000 stipend will be issued once a departure has been confirmed.

Officials are promoting the program as a more “dignified” option compared to arrest and forced deportation. They also argue it will save money. The government estimates that detaining and deporting a person through standard procedures costs more than $17,000.

The administration says thousands have already self-deported under similar past efforts, though this is the first time financial incentives and flight assistance are being offered at this scale.

Immigration advocates say the promise of cash and reprieve from detention could put pressure on vulnerable migrants to leave the country, even if they have strong ties to the U.S. Many who have lived in the U.S. illegally for over a year face a 10-year ban on reentry once they depart.

While DHS officials claim that voluntary departures could make it easier for individuals to apply to return legally in the future, immigration lawyers note that most applicants without family or employer sponsors are unlikely to qualify for a visa.

It remains to be seen how widely the new program will be used and what its long-term implications will be for immigration policy and affected communities.

Concerning the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant deported to El Salvador against a court order, respondents exhibited a preference for his return to the U.S. over his continued imprisonment in El Salvador, with support for return at 42% compared to 26% favoring his current situation. However, a notable 30% stated they lacked sufficient information to make a judgment about the case.

When addressing the general issue of deportations, public sentiment appears bifurcated. Approximately 48% of those surveyed believe Trump is "going too far" with deportations, whereas 50% expressed satisfaction with his actions, asserting that he is handling the situation either appropriately (34%) or not aggressively enough (16%).

On the specific topic of deporting undocumented immigrants accused of gang affiliation to El Salvador without judicial hearings, 47% voiced support, but opposition remains at 51%. Interestingly, support drops significantly to 39% for the deportation of international students who have criticized U.S. policy in the Middle East , with a majority, 59%, opposed to such action.

The poll further uncovers distinct partisan divides. Approximately 90% of Republicans approve of Trump's immigration policies, whereas only about 10% of Democrats agree. Among independents, 45% express approval. The survey also indicates that a substantial 85% of Democrats feel that Trump is overreaching regarding deportation actions, whereas 60% of Republicans believe he is managing it correctly.

Demographic trends emerge as well. Hispanic respondents exhibited a clear disapproval of Trump's immigration stance at 67%, while gender divisions are present; a significant number of women disapprove (58%) as compared to men (nearly equal views). Age differences also play a role, with younger citizens (under 40) disapproving at a rate of 59%, versus 48% among those aged 50 and older.

Conducted from April 18-22, 2025, this online poll surveyed 2,464 adults in both English and Spanish. It is part of a broader investigation into how American views on immigration remain fluid and highly variable based on various factors, including political affiliation, demographics, and personal experiences. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, with larger error margins for individual subgroups.

The UN has expressed deep concern over increasing deportations of vulnerable Haitians, particularly pregnant women and newborns, from the Dominican Republic. As reported by the IOM, on a single day, over 400 deportees, including mothers and infants, were sent back to Haiti, where they face dire living conditions. The UN emphasises the urgent need for humanitarian support upon arrival, highlighting the disruptive impact of escalating violence and limited resources in Haiti.

Dominican President Defends Immigration Policies Amid Criticism

Dominican President Luis Abinader has rebuffed allegations of racist policies regarding immigration after Amnesty International demanded an end to mass deportations of Haitians. As mentioned in Abinader's statements and reported by AA , he encouraged the rights organisation to direct its focus on the humanitarian crisis in Haiti instead. The President justified the controversial health protocols and border security measures as necessary to protect Dominican interests amid the ongoing migration crisis.

Nightclub Owner Acknowledges Structural Issues Before Tragic Collapse

Antonio Espaillat, co-owner of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, admitted that plaster tiles had frequently fallen from the venue's ceiling due to persistent water damage, long before a catastrophic roof collapse killed over 200 people. He revealed that the establishment had never received a structural review, despite ongoing issues. Families of victims are now pursuing legal action for alleged negligence. CP24 reports that the Dominican government has pledged to investigate the disaster.

Global Innovator Jonathan J to Boost Dominican Startups at INDOTEL 4.0 Congress

Renowned innovator Jonathan J. Mentor will serve as a judge and startup trainer for INDOTEL’s inaugural I+D Lab and International Congress 4.0, held May 6–7 at Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo. According to Dominican Today , Mentor joins top Dominican tech leaders to identify and accelerate standout startups, providing them with expert training, mentorship, and national recognition. Through the I+D Lab, INDOTEL aims to grow the digital economy, drive high-quality tech ventures, and position the Dominican Republic as a regional innovation leader.

Dominican Republic's Recent Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants in Hospitals

In a targeted operation, the Dominican Republic deported over 130 undocumented Haitian women and children from hospitals as part of an immigration crackdown initiated by President Abinader. Under new regulations, hospitals are required to verify patients' legal documentation before treatment, raising concerns from medical professionals who argue that such measures deter vulnerable migrants from seeking necessary healthcare, Channel 5 Belize reports.

Nunca antes, el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ, por su sigla en inglés) había mostrado un alineamiento tan claro con la agenda política gubernamental, la cual prioriza la aplicación de las leyes migratorias. Bondi ha redistribuido recursos dentro del DOJ para apoyar estas iniciativas, lo que ha despertado críticas entre defensores de derechos humanos.

Activistas como Vicki Gaubeca, directora de Política Migratoria de Human Rights Watch, sostienen que “El Departamento de Justicia está siendo utilizado como un arma para continuar con esta política de terror en contra de los migrantes”. El DOJ también destaca su papel en la iniciativa «Recuperemos América», que se enfoca en combatir la inmigración ilegal, el tráfico de personas y drogas, resultando en un significativo aumento de acusaciones.

La semana pasada, los fiscales del distrito suroeste del DOJ presentaron cargos contra 1.020 extranjeros por violaciones de leyes migratorias. En marzo, el total de acusaciones en esa región llegó a cerca de 5.000. Gaubeca critica que la administración está utilizando leyes antiguas que han sido históricamente aplicadas en períodos de racismo en contra de inmigrantes.

Esther Winne, portavoz del DOJ en Arizona, defiende que el enfoque del departamento sigue siendo el cumplimiento de la ley, estableciendo que la penalidad por reingreso irregular puede ser de hasta cinco años, dependiendo de las circunstancias del caso. Sin embargo, activistas como Gaubeca argumentan que esta estrategia es un componente de una guerra psicológica para forzar la salida voluntaria de migrantes del país.

Gaubeca también expresa preocupación por la presentación de cargos contra individuos que no han ingresado recientemente a EE. UU. sino que han vivido en el país durante años, alegando que esto contraviene las normas establecidas. Un caso representativo es el arresto de Jairo Ernesto Perry Santos, un inmigrante hondureño, acusado por reingresar a Estados Unidos después de ser deportado en 2016.

A pesar de las críticas, el DOJ y Bondi parecen ganar popularidad en ciertos sectores, destacándose casos de inmigrantes con múltiples deportaciones que concluyen en decisiones de regresarlos a México sin más acusaciones.

President Bukele stated, "I want to propose a humanitarian agreement calling for the repatriation of 100% of the 252 Venezuelans who were deported, in exchange for the release of the identical number from among the thousands of political prisoners that you hold." He emphasized that many detainees in El Salvador's high-security facilities are affiliated with violent criminal organizations, whereas the Venezuelan prisoners are solely incarcerated for their opposition to the government .

The Venezuelan government, however, has rejected claims regarding political imprisonment, labeling the deportations as "kidnappings" orchestrated by the United States. Tarek William Saab, Venezuela’s attorney general, has requested detailed documentation about the deportees, citing human rights violations occurring within El Salvador's prison system.

Among the political figures President Bukele seeks to release are notable individuals such as Rafael Tudares, Corina Parisca de Machado, and journalist Roland Carreño, all of whom have been categorized as terrorists by Maduro’s government. The proposal additionally encompasses nearly 50 foreign detainees in Venezuela, including American citizens.

The context for this negotiation arises against the backdrop of recent deportations of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act by the Trump administration, leading to legal challenges against further deportations. Although Bukele has faced criticism for his administration's human rights conditions, he remains a popular figure in Latin America , having secured re-election in a decisive victory last year.

The case of Ábrego García has galvanized Democratic law makers, highlighting concerns regarding the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement and disregard for judicial rulings. A 2019 immigration judge had ruled that Ábrego García should not be deported due to potential retaliation he could face in El Salvador. Senator Booker has called on Congress to support the rule of law, stating that there is no debate over the need for the administration to act on this court order.

In response, officials from the Trump administration have claimed that Democrats prioritize undocumented immigrants over US citizens. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Riley Moore visited the facility where Ábrego García is being held, showcasing a dissonance between party perspectives on immigration enforcement. Additional Democratic representatives, such as Adriano Espaillat and Delia Ramirez, have expressed interest in visiting El Salvador and its detention facilities to further investigate the matter.

Senator Booker, known for his opposition to Trump’s policies , is speculated to be considering a future presidential run. He recently delivered an extensive speech in the Senate criticizing Trump’s presidency, characterizing it as a significant threat to democracy and the Constitution.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security  announced that TPS protections will end in June 2025 for approximately 7,900 Cameroonians as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump. The administration also ended protections for 14,600 Afghans, whose TPS designations will expire in May.

"I fled after my father was murdered...President Trump knows there’s war in the Anglophone regions, but he wants to deport us,” one Cameroonian asylum seeker told Semafor.

The decision comes despite recent violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, where separatist tensions have triggered a humanitarian crisis. According to a  2024 Human Rights Watch report , more than 638,000 people have been internally displaced, and at least 1.7 million require humanitarian assistance.

Many Cameroonian migrants in the U.S. had sought refuge from this conflict, where government forces and armed separatist groups have been accused of grave human rights abuses.

Immigration advocates and human rights groups have strongly condemned the move, warning it could place thousands at imminent risk of harm if deported. They argue that conditions in Cameroon remain too dangerous to justify returning vulnerable individuals, many of whom fled violence and persecution.

The Trump administration has defended the decision as part of its broader efforts to tighten immigration policy, arguing that TPS designations should not be indefinite.

Officials say most of the returnees crossed through the Torkham border, which links Pakistan to Afghanistan.

These Afghan families did not have legal papers or refugee cards. On April 12 alone, more than 4,000 people crossed back into Afghanistan.

Every day, buses and trucks have been carrying people to the border. Security officials have been watching closely, and local authorities have helped to manage the process. People were allowed to take personal belongings, such as clothes, household items, and even livestock.

At the border, each person goes through ID checks and fingerprint scanning before crossing. Afghan staff are helping on the other side by giving temporary shelter and some basic aid.

Many families said the journey was hard. Some had little money or no access to transport. Others said they had to leave behind their jobs and homes.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have asked both Pakistan and Afghanistan to treat returnees with dignity. The UN has raised concerns about how the mass return will affect border areas in Afghanistan, especially as many people now need food, shelter, and medicine.

Pakistan says the move does not affect Afghan refugees who are legally registered and have permission to stay.

The return of undocumented Afghans is expected to continue in the coming weeks, The News reports.

Authorities apprehended 20,896 violators during the operation.

Among them, 11,930 were found violating residency laws, 5,649 breached border security regulations, and 3,317 were involved in labour-related offences.

1,374 individuals were caught attempting to cross into the Kingdom illegally, many of them being Ethiopian nationals (55%) and Yemenis (43%).​

The Ministry of Interior has warned that anyone found facilitating illegal entry, including providing transportation or shelter, could face up to 15 years in prison, fines up to SR1 million (approximately $266,000), and confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offence.​

"We are committed to enforcing our laws to maintain national security and protect our labour market," said a spokesperson from the Ministry.​

The three countries with the highest deportation figures were Mexico (87,300), Guatemala (66,440), and Honduras (45,920).

Data sourced from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) , highlights ongoing migration and deportation patterns, with Central America continuing to be the region most affected.

Other countries with significant numbers include:

Notably, South American nations such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru (4,300), and Venezuela (3,260) also appeared in the statistics, reflecting broader migration pressures from political and economic instability in the region.

Smaller figures were reported for the Dominican Republic (2,990) and Nicaragua (3,870), but together, they contribute to the larger trend of deportations across the Americas.

The U.S. has faced increasing challenges managing migration at its southern border, with policy debates intensifying as the numbers grow.

The 2024 deportation figures mark one of the highest in recent years, underscoring a continuing trend that will likely influence immigration policy discussions in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

At the heart of the dispute is the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), a law dating back to 1798 that allows the government to detain or deport nationals of hostile nations during times of conflict. Former President Donald Trump invoked the law through a presidential proclamation, labeling the Tren de Aragua gang as an "invading force" and justifying deportations under national security grounds.

In its unsigned opinion, the conservative-majority Court stated that while the administration may proceed with removals under the AEA, individuals facing deportation must be given “notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal.” The ruling requires those legal challenges to be filed in Texas, not in Washington, D.C., where the original case was filed.

The decision appears to block the immediate resumption of controversial deportation flights, which last month transported hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to a high-security prison in El Salvador. Those flights, which occurred without court hearings, were carried out shortly after Trump’s proclamation was issued.

The Court's opinion did not directly address those earlier deportations. However, the ruling underlines that such actions cannot proceed without due process going forward.

The decision follows a temporary order by U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, who had halted the deportations and ordered the government to return removed migrants. The Biden administration did not comply, citing “state secrets privilege” and withholding further information from the court. A hearing last week examined whether the administration had defied Boasberg’s order.

Trump celebrated the ruling on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “GREAT DAY FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA ” and asserting that it reaffirmed a president’s authority to protect the nation.

On April 6 alone, over 876 people holding Afghan Citizen Cards were returned to Afghanistan, according to authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

In Punjab, over 1,000 more Afghan citizens have been arrested and taken to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for deportation.

According to sources, they are expected to be officially sent back soon.

Pakistan’s deportation campaign is happening in phases.

So far, more than 4,100 people have already been sent back , and nearly 6,000 more are in holding centres waiting to be deported.

Punjab Police say they have set up 46 holding centres across the province, including five in Lahore, where more than 1,800 people are staying now.

In Attock, police have detained over 700 Afghan migrants, including women and children . Around 365 of them have already been sent to the border, while the rest are being taken care of at a temporary camp.

In Rawalpindi, police are also arresting Afghans with citizen cards. Over 130 people have been moved to camps so far.

Punjab’s top police officer, Usman Anwar, said, “We are carrying out this process in a safe, respectful, and legal way.”

He added that police are working daily to make sure all undocumented foreigners are sent back properly.

The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who said the action takes effect immediately.

It is the first time the US has blocked visas for all passport holders from one country since Donald Trump returned as President in January.

Rubio said the visa ban will stay in place until South Sudan fully cooperates and starts accepting the return of its citizens on time.

He however indicated the U.S. preparedness to review this decision when South Sudan fully shows commitment to working with them.

The move is part of tougher immigration steps being taken under the Trump administration.

Earlier in March, Islamabad declared that 800,000 Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) would be invalidated, marking the second phase of a sweeping deportation drive. The first phase had already pushed an estimated 800,000 undocumented Afghans back across the border.

The raid on her restaurant by police was a turning point. Since then, the ten Afghan women she employed have stayed home, afraid of being rounded up and sent back to a country where women's freedoms have been stripped away under Taliban rule, including bans on education, many jobs, and even visiting public spaces like parks.

"I have no one to return to. The Taliban won't accept us," Raufi said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced additional returns scheduled for Friday, including a flight operated by a U.S. aircraft expected to arrive at 6:00 p.m. local time.

Speaking during a televised event on state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Maduro said these repatriations mark a new phase of coordination with the United States, Mexico, and Honduras, El Comercio reports.

According to Maduro, two groups will land in Venezuela on Thursday: one carrying approximately 300 Venezuelans returning from Mexico at 11:00 a.m. local time and another flight arriving at 3:00 p.m. with over 200 migrants he claimed were "rescued from U.S. prisons," some of whom had been detained for over a year.

“In the vast majority of cases, they are economic migrants who left as a result of the economic war and sanctions , looking for a better future, and who ended up persecuted by the U.S. government,” Maduro said.

The Venezuelan government says 1,471 citizens have returned home since February 2025 under the Vuelta a la Patria program, which was launched in 2018. The initiative aims to provide a safe path back for Venezuelans who emigrated during the country's economic crisis but now seek to return.

The Venezuelan poultry industry, once a major player in Latin America, has faced significant challenges due to economic decline and decreased production. However, recent trends show signs of recovery: chicken production has more than doubled from 209,181 metric tons in 2018 to 477,627 MT now, and per capita egg and chicken consumption has increased by 57% and 22.5%, respectively, from 2022 to 2024. Despite ongoing issues like hyperinflation and difficulties in obtaining import permits for feed, the industry anticipates a 36% production increase by 2025 and is exploring export opportunities to Caribbean nations.

Deportation

Gertrudis Pineda is distraught over her son Oscar, one of 238 Venezuelans deported by the U.S. to El Salvador's maximum-security Cecot prison, accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang. Despite the U.S. government's claims of proper vetting, many detainees lack criminal records, leading to criticism of the deportations as unconstitutional. The conditions at Cecot, described as a "black hole of human rights," leave families without information on their loved ones' wellbeing. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele defends the prison and ongoing crackdowns on gangs, with public support for his policies, despite reports of wrongful detentions.

Gang Violence

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to members of the Tren de Aragua gang as "worse than Al Qaeda" during a visit to Guyana, emphasizing their dangerous reputation as a transnational crime syndicate originating in Venezuelan prisons. He defended the Trump administration's controversial forced deportations of migrants, claiming that those deported were thoroughly vetted by the Department of Homeland Security. Rubio highlighted the gang's significant threat, comparing their danger to that of infamous terrorists. However, some lower US courts have challenged the legality of these deportations, with families of deported individuals alleging they were targeted unjustly.

Rubio warns Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a strong U.S. response if Venezuela attacks Guyana amid a territorial dispute over valuable oil and gas reserves. In his visit to Georgetown, Rubio stated that aggressive actions from Venezuela would be met with consequences, emphasizing that it would be a "very bad day" for the Venezuelan regime. Guyana's President Irfaan Ali expressed appreciation for U.S. support in safeguarding Guyana's sovereignty. The U.S. is enhancing military cooperation with Guyana through intelligence sharing and joint naval exercises, aiming to bolster regional security against Venezuelan claims. The tension follows Venezuela's revival of a century-old dispute coinciding with Guyana's significant oil discoveries.

Maduro calls Rubio 'Imbecile'

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday slammed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as an “imbecile” following the American’s warning to Caracas against attacking its oil-rich neighbor Guyana. “There goes the imbecile Marco Rubio threatening Venezuela from Guyana. No one threatens Venezuela because this is the homeland of the liberators,” Maduro said .

In a move to tighten his grip on power, Daniel Ortega appointed his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo, as co-head of Nicaragua’s Army. According to CiberCuba , the decision was fast-tracked through a legislative reform approved unanimously by the ruling party-dominated National Assembly. This step further consolidates the couple’s control over state institutions, including the military.

Trump ends parole programme for Nicaragua

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the end of the CHNV parole program for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, effective March 25, 2025. Beneficiaries must leave the U.S. by April 24, 2025, or when their parole expires—whichever comes first—unless they’ve applied for another immigration benefit. DHS will prioritise the removal of those who overstay and revoke related work authorisations, JD Supra reports.

Panama ex-president Martinelli approved for asylum in Nicaragua

Panama approved safe passage for ex-president Ricardo Martinelli to take asylum in Nicaragua, citing humanitarian reasons. Martinelli, convicted of money laundering and sentenced to nearly 11 years, had been sheltering in Nicaragua’s embassy. According to The Strait Times , Nicaragua granted him asylum in 2024, as it has done for other former Central American leaders.

Ortega 'secretly' receives planes of deported Nicaraguans

In the first two months of Trump’s presidency, five ICE Air deportation flights carrying Nicaraguan migrants landed in Managua, according to CONFIDENCIAL . Four flights departed from Louisiana and one from Texas, all operated by Global X Airlines. The flights, arriving on the first and third Thursdays each month, use the call sign G6-6194. While not listed on Nicaragua’s official airport registry, they are tracked on flight platforms and documented by local aviation enthusiasts.

U.S. report says religious freedom in Nicaragua ‘abysmal’

Religious persecution in Nicaragua has worsened, according to a new U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report. Calling the situation “abysmal,” the report criticizes President Ortega and Rosario Murillo for targeting the Catholic Church through arrests, exiles, and legal crackdowns, especially since churches sheltered protesters in 2019, as reported by Persecution.org .

The administration sought to overturn Boasberg’s temporary restraining orders (TROs), which halted the deportation of Venezuelan nationals amid claims that the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan criminal organization, poses a security threat to the United States.

Judge Boasberg ruled that individuals facing deportation must have the opportunity for personalized hearings to contest their classifications.

Emphasizing due process protections under the 14th Amendment, Boasberg stated that Venezuelans should be able to challenge allegations of TdA affiliation before deportation. His decision came just ahead of a hearing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where Circuit Judge Patricia Millett highlighted concerns over the treatment of different groups under similar legal frameworks.

Despite the court orders, approximately 238 Venezuelans were deported to El Salvador. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed these deportations occurred before the rulings and were beyond the court’s jurisdiction.

The Trump administration has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify deporting Venezuelans, categorizing the TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move has sparked legal challenges, with rights organizations arguing that the administration is exceeding its authority and violating constitutional and federal law.

In response to the decision, Trump suggested impeaching Judge Boasberg, but Chief Justice John Roberts dismissed the proposal. Meanwhile, the administration continues to push for the TROs to be overturned, arguing that the legal challenges against them are unlikely to succeed.

But mass deportations come at a steep financial cost for the U.S. government, amounting to billions of dollars. Under the Biden administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spent an average of $10,500 to deport a single person, according to NBC . 

Beyond the U.S., deportations also have significant economic consequences for Latin America. In many countries, migrant remittances are a key pillar of the economy. In nations like El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, remittances account for more than 20% of GDP and serve as a crucial source of income for millions of households. 

Personal remittances as a share of GDP in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2023, according to Statista :

Deportations mean fewer people sending money home, reducing household income, weakening local economies, and decreasing consumption.

Deportation is not just an immigration issue—it is a major factor shaping the global economy.

In Rosso, a Senegalese city bordering Mauritania, deported migrants have shared chilling testimonies of abuse at the hands of Mauritanian authorities. Many describe beatings, arbitrary detentions, and dire conditions in overcrowded detention facilities.

“They beat us up, they took us to prison without telling us anything. After that, they threw us all out at the border," Ismaila Bangoura, a Guinean carpenter who had been working in Mauritania, told the AFP.

Ramatoulaye Camara, another Guinean citizen, described the grim realities of imprisonment in Mauritania.  “Currently in Mauritania, it’s not good. We suffered a lot. I was in prison for 10 days, with no food, no help. I am pregnant, and I was there with my daughter. The police tortured the boys, they even tortured me. They took my money, my phone—everything. We endured a lot of suffering,” she said.

Adding that “More than 500-600 people were locked in a cage, with no food and unbearable heat. The Mauritanian police hit me. I don’t even know why—whether it was because of the papers, the residence permit, or something else. They just said, ‘You are leaving our country.’”

Bangoura further lamented that several deportees were left in dire health conditions, suffering from injuries inflicted during their detention. “It’s really deplorable,” said Bangoura. “They beat me up, and I have gastritis. They hit me in the chest, and now I can barely breathe. I can’t even run. I called my sister to send me money just so I could buy some medicine .”

Local humanitarian organizations in Rosso are struggling to assist the growing number of traumatized deportees. Mbaye Diop, President of the local Red Cross committee, confirmed that many of those arriving show visible signs of abuse. “Sometimes we receive people who have been expelled, and you can see the after-effects of physical violence on their bodies. Some even lose their minds upon arrival. We do our best to assist them, but the situation is overwhelming,” said Diop.

Meanwhile, Mauritanian authorities are yet to respond to the allegations.

Venezuela has expressed its determination to ensure the release of hundreds of its citizens who were deported by the U.S. to a notorious prison in El Salvador. According to National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez, the deportees, numbering 238, were accused of connections to the Tren de Aragua gang, facing potentially harsh conditions in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center. This recent development complicates negotiations between Venezuela and the U.S. regarding sanctions relief and the continuation of Chevron's operations in the country.

Aircraft smuggling

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a civil forfeiture complaint against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, alleging its smuggling from the U.S. and its use to support Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which violates established sanctions. This aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic last year, and Maduro's government has labelled the seizure and sanctions as acts of blatant theft and illegality.

Deportations of Venezuelans

A federal judge has mandated the Trump administration to disclose information regarding the deportations of Venezuelans, despite a court order that halted the flights. The administration alleges that the deportees are associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Despite the judge's order to cease deportations, flights by the administration continued, resulting in the deportation of 261 individuals. The administration maintains that it has the legal authority to move ahead with deportations once the flights are outside U.S. airspace, while the judge has pressed for clarity on specific timelines and legal standings during court proceedings.

Chevron licence

Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, has devised strategies to sustain oil production post-Chevron's licence expiration in April. The plans include producing between 105,000 to 138,000 barrels per day of Hamaca heavy crude at the Petropiar project, aiming to balance output between local refineries and non-U.S. export markets. Furthermore, PDVSA intends to process byproducts of vacuum gasoil for domestic gasoline production and increase the recycling effort of imported naphtha to mitigate technical challenges. Analysts speculate that the total oil output in Venezuela could decrease from 900,000 to 700,000 barrels per day in the absence of Chevron, which currently contributes an estimated $200 million monthly to the national economy.

Human rights violation

During the UN Human Rights Council session, independent experts underscored severe human rights violations occurring in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. In Iran, findings from the Fact-Finding Mission pointed to violent repression following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022, highlighting allegations of torture and mistreatment directed towards children and protesters, with a noticeable absence of trust in the judicial system and a rallying call for accountability measures off the national stage. In Venezuela, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission relayed ongoing political repression and arbitrary detentions , particularly in the context of the contentious 2024 presidential election, expressing grave concerns regarding electoral integrity and significant rights violations amid protests, including detainee deaths linked to torture — findings which the Venezuelan government dismissed as politically driven.

Venezuela’s Chavista government confirmed on Thursday the resumption of repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, as part of the ongoing “Return to the Homeland” Plan. The announcement follows a renewed bilateral agreement reached with U.S. Special Envoy Richard Grenell. Merco Press reports that the initiative was formally announced by National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, who attributed previous delays to Washington, citing the revocation of Chevron’s operating license in Venezuela by President Donald Trump as a contributing factor.

Chevron contractors still operating in Venezuela despite Trump ultimatum

Despite a Trump administration ultimatum that aimed to halt U.S. business activities in Venezuela, contractors working with oil giant Chevron have continued operations in the country, highlighting the complexities of enforcing sanctions amid shifting geopolitical and energy priorities, inkl reports.

Venezuelan gov't appeals for foreign investment ahead of oil sanctions deadline

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking international investment as the country braces for a new wave of U.S. sanctions targeting the oil sector. In a televised meeting on Tuesday, Maduro declared Venezuela open to foreign investment in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and refining, urging global partners to "produce and make profits." Despite offering incentives, Venezuela’s oil industry continues to struggle with underinvestment, poor maintenance, and U.S. sanctions, which have deterred even non-U.S. firms. Maduro also reviewed key national projects and called for plans focused on production, domestic supply, and exports, reports Venezuelanalysis .

American Kitesurfer detained for months in Venezuela

People reports that Lucas Hunter, 37, was motorcycling and kitesurfing along Colombia’s northern coast when he sent a chilling voice note to his sister Sophie: he had been seized by Venezuelan military forces after accidentally approaching the border. "They took me across the border. I’m being held in Venezuela, help me," he said. Sophie, 30, who lives in Switzerland, says she immediately feared the worst. "He was trying not to scare me, but I could tell he was terrified," she recalls. The siblings had planned to travel together, but after Sophie fell ill, Lucas went ahead alone with his non-refundable ticket and passion for kitesurfing.

Venezuelan community heads to DC to urge Trump admin against Maduro engagement

Members of the Venezuelan-American community are launching a renewed effort to raise awareness about what they describe as the threat posed by Nicolás Maduro’s regime to the United States. inkl reports that leading the charge is the Venezuelan-American civic organization IVAC, which is organising its fourth caravan to Washington, D.C., with a clear message: Maduro’s criminal network poses a serious risk to U.S. national security.

Wagan was reportedly on a personal trip when US immigration officials stopped him at the airport. After reviewing his documents, they refused to let him enter the country.

He was then put on a flight back to his departure point.

According to reports , the US immigration system flagged “controversial visa references” linked to Wagan, although American authorities have not publicly explained the reason for his deportation.

A Pakistani Foreign Ministry official confirmed the situation , saying, “Ambassador KK Wagan was deported from the US. He had an immigration objection which led to his deportation.”

The government in Islamabad is now looking into the matter, and the Foreign Ministry has asked its Los Angeles consulate to investigate. Officials are also considering recalling Wagan to Pakistan for further questioning.

Wagan is a senior diplomat with years of experience in Pakistan’s foreign service. Before being posted in Turkmenistan, he worked at the country’s embassy in Nepal and later held a key position at the Los Angeles consulate.

The incident comes shortly after reports that the US government, under President Donald Trump, is planning new travel restrictions on Pakistan.

If these measures are implemented, they could make it harder for Pakistani citizens to enter the US.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced an economic stimulus plan on Monday, aiming to boost Thailand’s GDP growth to 3-3.5% this year. Unveiling the plan on X, she credited Finance Minister and Deputy PM Pichai Chunhavajira, who developed it after consultations with five key economic agencies. According to The Nation , the plan includes accelerating the disbursement of over 100 billion baht in pending state funds, improving budget efficiency, and supporting structural economic reforms. It also seeks to fast-track private sector investment, particularly through the Board of Investment, which received applications worth 1.14 trillion baht (over $33 billion) last year.

TikTok commits $8.8bn to data centres

TikTok will invest $8.8 billion in Thai data centres over five years, including a previously announced $3.8 billion for data hosting. VP of Public Policy Helena Lersch announced the investment in Bangkok on February 28. DCD reports that TikTok, which typically leases colocation space, previously opened a $2.13 billion AI hub in Malaysia and is considering a data centre in Australia. ByteDance, its parent company, also utilises Bridge Data Centres for its Chinese operations.

Thailand condemned for ‘shameful’ mass deportation of Uyghur refugees to China

The family of a Uyghur man feared to have been forcibly deported from Thailand to China has condemned the move as “shameful.” The deportations occurred despite UN warnings that those sent back faced a “real risk of torture.” Ignoring protests from the UN refugee agency, the EU, and the US, Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs who had been detained for a decade, claiming they returned voluntarily to their families. However, speaking to The Guardian , the family of one deportee insisted it was “impossible” that the men would willingly go back to China as reported by The Guardian .

Thailand considers building a wall on its border with Cambodia

Thailand is considering building a border wall with Cambodia to curb illegal crossings and dismantle scam centres near the border, a government spokesman said Monday. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that the proposal was discussed in a Cabinet meeting, with the Foreign and Defence Ministries assigned to consult Cambodian authorities, AA reported. He emphasised the need to study its feasibility and impact. The Cambodian government has not yet responded. Meanwhile, authorities are intensifying crackdowns on financial fraud networks, primarily run by Chinese gangs in Cambodia and Myanmar.

Gorilla Technology secures $1.8b deal for Thailand's largest smart grid and AI energy project

Gorilla Technology Group (NASDAQ: GRRR) has secured a landmark $1.8 billion deal to lead Thailand’s largest energy digitization and infrastructure transformation. Over 15 years, this AI-driven initiative will modernize power distribution, enhance security, and optimize energy efficiency nationwide. Unlike traditional infrastructure projects, Gorilla has introduced an innovative financing model to ensure long-term, sustainable funding, enabling large-scale execution while delivering lasting financial benefits to all stakeholders, according to Newsfile .

They argue that these changes allow asylum seekers to be deported before they can fully apply for asylum, which could put them in danger.

Under the new rules, asylum seekers who enter South Africa without a visa must first go through a short interview with an immigration officer.

If they cannot give a good reason for being in the country illegally, they may be denied full access to the asylum system and could be deported.

The group believes this is wrong because immigration officers are not trained to decide if someone is truly fleeing danger.

They also argue that everyone, no matter how they arrived, should have the right to apply for asylum and stay in the country until their application is properly reviewed.

Several international organisations, including Amnesty International and the Helen Suzman Foundation, support Scalabrini’s case.

They say South Africa has signed international agreements that protect refugees and that the new law breaks those agreements. The Helen Suzman Foundation also warns that the law could harm children , as their legal status depends on their parents.

The government, however, says the new process helps filter out people who do not have real asylum claims while still protecting those who do.

Advocate Norman Arendse, speaking for the government, said immigration officers would consider all important factors before making a decision.

Scalabrini gave examples of Ethiopian and Palestinian asylum seekers who were arrested after failing the first interview. They say deportation should not be used as a punishment for people who enter the country illegally.

In a previous court case last year, Scalabrini won an order stopping the government from deporting asylum seekers. But because of that ruling, the government blocked all new asylum applications. As a result, many asylum seekers who cannot be deported are stuck in prison.

Judge Judith Cloete said she is worried that cancelling the new rules completely could create problems for the government. She asked the government’s lawyers to suggest a solution if the court rules in Scalabrini’s favour. The court has not yet made a decision.

This policy shift is largely seen as a direct response to the economic risks posed by potential U.S. tariffs, which could severely impact Vietnam's trade-dependent economy.

As per the recent agreement, Vietnam will process deportation requests within 30 days, significantly reducing past delays that often lasted months or years.

Immigration lawyer Tin Thanh Nguyen announced that Vietnam will also furnish travel documents for up to 30 detained Vietnamese nationals.

The shift in policy comes following explicit warnings from U.S. officials, including Brian Hughes from the National Security Council, who stated that all nations must repatriate their citizens or risk facing sanctions.

Although the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry has yet to comment publicly, earlier communications highlighted Vietnam's commitment to comply with U.S. repatriation agreements.

This development occurs amidst a wider context of increasing deportations by the U.S., with over 37,000 people being removed in the first month of President Trump's second term. While the exact number of Vietnamese nationals deported remains unclear, it has been reported that some have already been sent to Panama.

Panamanian police blocked a migrant caravan, primarily consisting of Venezuelans, attempting to return home after abandoning their journey to the U.S. due to Donald Trump's deportation policies. These migrants were forced back to Costa Rica for orderly repatriation. Many had opted to return to avoid hunger and hardship during their trek. Costa Rican Security Minister Mario Zamora emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and legal migration flows, BSS News reports. Migrants will undergo biometric checks in Costa Rica before being repatriated to their home countries. Following a recent U.S. agreement, Panama has implemented stricter controls and deportations of migrants.

Regularisation points for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia closed

Regularisation points for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia have been closed, affecting those in Bogotá who were in the process of obtaining permits to regularise their status. This has raised concerns among migrants attempting to navigate the process, as reported by VOA .

DOJ charges 8 Venezuelan gang members with sex trafficking women in Tennessee

Eight Venezuelan gang members have been indicted for sex trafficking women from South America to Tennessee, operating an illegal enterprise out of Nashville motels from July 2022 to March 2024. A ninth suspect was also arrested in Texas. The defendants, who lack legal status in the U.S., face charges including conspiracy to commit prostitution and sex trafficking, with penalties ranging from five years to life in prison for some. UPI reports that they recruited vulnerable women from impoverished regions and exploited them through online advertisements. Officials emphasised the commitment to combat human trafficking and hold traffickers accountable. The case involves the Tren de Aragua gang, known for various criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

Some new-arrival Venezuelan migrants in Chicago face threat of deportation

Newly arrived Venezuelan migrants in Chicago face potential deportation as President Trump accelerates the timeline to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS), arguing for improved conditions in Venezuela. However, many Venezuelans dispute this claim, citing worsening political and economic conditions. Migrants express fears of returning home, with one restaurant owner emphasising their contributions to society. According to ABC , the Illinois Venezuelan Society notes an increase in calls from anxious migrants, some having given up their passports, leaving them with no safe return options. Many are prepared to live in the shadows, fearing for their safety if sent back. Some remain hopeful for a change in Trump’s decision.

Venezuela fetches undocumented migrants from the US

Venezuela sent two planes to repatriate nearly 200 undocumented migrants from the U.S., expressing hopes for improved relations with Washington, despite the U.S. not recognising Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president. Meanwhile, former President Trump promised a large-scale deportation campaign targeting millions of undocumented immigrants, primarily from Latin America, Daily Journal reports.

South Sudanese migrant sues Italy over release of alleged Libyan torturer: Video

Lam Magok, a South Sudanese migrant, has filed a complaint against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Italy deported Osama Almasri Najim, a Libyan judicial police chief accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Read more here .

African leaders call for direct talks with rebels to resolve Congo conflict

At a historic joint summit of Eastern and Southern African blocs focused on resolving the crisis in Eastern Congo, leaders called on all parties to engage in direct talks, including with the Rwanda-backed rebels whose progress has raised concerns about a potential broader conflict. Read more here .

How AI is transforming African economies and businesses

African economies are not being left behind in the technological revolution, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent times. AI is transforming industries from agriculture to healthcare, finance, and customer service, creating growth opportunities and addressing challenges across Africa. Read more here .

Asia

China blames US 'sabotage' for Panama's departure from Belt and Road initiative

China condemned the U.S. for "smearing and sabotaging" the Belt and Road Initiative in Panama through "pressure and coercion," following Panama's decision to withdraw from the program, according to its foreign ministry on Friday, February 7. Read more here .

Taiwan sends officials to US to discuss possible Trump tariffs

Taiwan has sent officials to Washington to discuss potential U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump and has made preparations in case they are implemented, Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said on Saturday, February 8. Read more here .

About 500 Samsung India factory workers hold sit-in in latest dispute, sources say

Around 500 workers at Samsung's plant in southern India are staging a sit-in to protest the suspension of three employees, with the company bringing in contract workers to fill the vacancies, according to two sources. Read more here .

Latin America

How plastic waste is being converted into fuel in Mexico

A Mexican startup is transforming plastic waste into fuel as part of its efforts to reduce pollution. Petgas, based in the coastal city of Boca del Río, has created a machine that converts plastic into gasoline, diesel, and other fuels. Read more here .

Colombians weigh returning home after rebel violence

Residents of Colombia's conflict-ridden Catatumbo region, near the eastern border with Venezuela, are deciding whether to return home after a rebel group's attacks displaced at least 50,000 people over several weeks. Read more here .

Brazil's Lula rejects Trump plan for Gaza and tariff threats as 'bravado'

On Wednesday, February 5, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip, dismissing his expansionist ambitions and tariff threats against trading partners as "bravado." Read more here .

The law was invoked during major conflicts, including the War of 1812 and World Wars. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt used it to justify the internment of people of Japanese, German, and Italian descent.

The Supreme Court has upheld the act as constitutional and ruled it can be applied even after wartime, as seen in the 1948 deportation of former Nazi Kurt Ludecke.

Trump's current focus is on whether foreign drug cartels operating in the U.S. could be classified as an "invasion" — a key condition for invoking the act. Courts have previously ruled that determining what constitutes an invasion is a political decision for the government, not the judiciary.

Critics argue the law has a troubling history, pointing to its use in interning American citizens during World War II. Some lawmakers have introduced efforts to repeal it, calling it a threat to civil rights.

As Trump's administration explores its options, questions remain about how the law could be implemented and its implications for immigration policy.

Burkina Faso launches its first electric car  

Burkina Faso has unveiled its first electric car, designed and built entirely by local company ITAOUA.

This is the first time the country has produced its own car, marking a major step forward in technology and industry. Read more here .

  West Africa bloc announces formal exit of three junta-led states

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) on January 29, announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc following their withdrawal last year. Read more here .

Uganda's top court bans military prosecution of civilians

Uganda's top court said on January 31, that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional and ordered any ongoing prosecutions to stop immediately. The ruling will offer relief to a key opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who has been undergoing trial by the country's general court martial, his lawyer Erias Lukwago said, adding that the defendant would now not appear in court on Monday as originally scheduled. Read more here .

Asia

Myanmar imposes travel ban on young people amid new army draft rules

Myanmar’s military government has introduced new rules under its conscription law, including a ban on foreign travel for people who are eligible for military service. The changes, announced on January 23, 2025, have sparked criticism from political groups and legal experts, who say the new rules will increase oppression in the country. Read more here .

More Indians losing hope of improved quality of life under Modi, survey shows

More Indians are becoming less hopeful about their quality of life as stagnant wages and higher living costs cloud future prospects, a survey showed, in disappointing news for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of this week's annual budget. Read more here .

Taiwan says government departments should not use DeepSeek, citing security concerns

Taiwan's digital ministry said on January 31 that government departments should not use Chinese startup DeepSeek's artificial intelligence (AI) service, saying that as the product is from China it represents a security concern. In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs said that government departments are not allowed to use DeepSeek's AI service to "prevent information security risks". Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil, U.S. officials agree to discuss how deported migrants are treated

Brazilian and U.S. officials agreed on January 29, to discuss regularly how Washington will deport migrants from Brazil, as some leaders in Latin America have balked at what they see as poor treatment of their citizens on repatriation flights. Brazil's foreign affairs ministry said in a social media post that the talks will be led by officials from the ministry and the U.S. embassy, after the ministry summoned a senior U.S. diplomat earlier this week over the treatment of recent deportees that local officials condemned as degrading. Read more here .

Colombian planes carrying US deportees arrive in Bogota after Trump-Petro row

Two Colombian air force planes carrying deportees from the United States arrived in Bogota on January 28, the government said, paving the way for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to lift visa restrictions and other measures on Colombian citizens. Read more here .

Mexico's Sheinbaum awaits US tariff deadline with 'cool head'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on January 31, that she will wait with a cool head for a decision from the United States ahead of a Saturday deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Read more here .

“We must welcome them with dignity,” Reina stated. “The United States has its regulations, but once they enter Honduran airspace, they should not come in chains or handcuffs.”

This military flight differed from previous ones, Reina explained, as discussions with U.S. authorities had led to more humane treatment during the deportation process. He also highlighted the economic contributions of Honduran migrants, urging respect despite stringent U.S. policies.

"Most importantly, we must not forget the significant contributions these immigrants make to our national economy, and I believe we must welcome them with dignity, despite the Trump administration's harsher policies," he told the AFP. 

Meanwhile, regional efforts to address the migration crisis faced a setback after the planned Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit was canceled. The meeting, called by Honduras to discuss migration challenges, failed to secure attendance from key leaders except Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The cancellation followed heightened tensions between Petro and Trump, as Latin American nations grapple with the delicate balance of addressing migration without provoking diplomatic conflict with the U.S.

Two Colombian military planes brought back around 200 deportees following a diplomatic clash between Colombia and the US over President Donald Trump’s renewed mass deportation policies.

Gomez recounted distressing experiences at the detention center, claiming, "We were in the cell, and they threw our food on the floor. That’s outrageous to me. That’s horrible." He further described the inadequate conditions, noting, "The food was horrible, and we were locked up sleeping for 10 to 12 hours with nothing else to do. We didn’t even know whether it was day or night." 

The mass deportations, part of Trump's controversial immigration policy, have drawn criticism from several Latin American governments, including Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico. Despite the recent escalation, many of the deportations stem from agreements made before Trump's return to office.

Colombia's government has condemned the treatment of its citizens and is assessing possible diplomatic responses.

The pressure on ICE escalated following President Donald Trump's inauguration, aligning with his administration's strict immigration policies.

One significant aspect of this approach includes an executive order that revises birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, provoking discussion about its implications.

This policy has raised concerns among immigration rights advocates who fear increased family separations and possible human rights violations. While critics suggest the focus on Somalia may relate to security issues due to its political instability, no direct connections have been confirmed by ICE or the administration.

U.S. government officials justify these aggressive measures on the basis of public safety and the enforcement of current laws. However, these actions have ignited protests and legal challenges from various advocacy groups worried about their humanitarian impact and potential repercussions on international relations.

As ICE continues its deportation operations, global reactions vary. Some nations are preparing to receive their citizens while others express concern about the humanitarian responses to such deportations.

The deportation was carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

According to the minister, the government did not find any criminal activities linked to those deported. He explained that the exercise was simply to enforce Nigeria’s immigration laws.

Nigeria’s constitution requires foreigners to have valid permits to live in the country. The NIS estimates that about 300,000 illegal immigrants, mainly from Chad, Niger, Benin, and Cameroon, are currently in Nigeria.

The minister also announced that residency permits for expatriates will no longer be renewed automatically, local reports indicate.

Special reasons must now be provided for any renewal requests.

This action is part of Nigeria’s effort to manage its immigration system and ensure that all residents comply with the law.

Some Tunisians believe claims that migrants are part of a plot to change Tunisia’s population makeup.

The proposed law would let authorities deport migrants back to their home countries.

However, it says exceptions will be made for those who might face torture or other inhumane treatment in their home countries.

The law will also make provision for migrants to challenge deportation orders in court, local news reports say.

In 2024, Tunisia said it successfully returned over 7,000 migrants to their home countries through what it called “voluntary” repatriations.

But human rights groups disagree, saying many of these returns were forced. Critics also say the new law may be a way to make forced deportations official.

In 2024, over 20,000 migrants from 22 African countries were living in Sfax Al-Amra, according to government data. Many migrants there live in poor conditions and face disease and malnutrition.

Anti-migrant policies in Tunisia have been under international scrutiny since 2023 when President Kais Saied made a speech accusing migrants from sub-Saharan Africa of being part of a conspiracy to change Tunisia’s demographics.

The speech led to violence against Black migrants, many of whom were evicted from their homes or lost their jobs.

Reports have since emerged of migrants being abandoned in the desert near Tunisia’s border or held in poor conditions in reception centres.

Some migrants said they were forced to sign deportation papers. Human rights groups have also accused Tunisian authorities of abuse, including cases of rape and violence against children.

The Brazilian federal police reported 88 passengers on the flight, while the Amazonas state government listed 79 - 62 men, 11 women, and six children. Many of the deportees, including families and children with disabilities, alleged mistreatment during the journey, including being handcuffed at their wrists, waists, and legs.

"There’s nothing to talk about that trip," said Edgar da Silva Moura, a deportee and computer technician. "The plane had technical issues; the turbines kept turning on and off. If it hadn’t been for divine intervention, I think it would’ve crashed." Moura also described dire conditions on board: "We were tied up, it was unbearably hot, there was no water, and children weren’t even allowed to use the bathroom."

Brazil's Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Macae Evaristo, expressed alarm at the reports of abuse. "The complaints are very serious," Evaristo said. "Families, including children with autism or other disabilities, endured horrific treatment on that flight."

Moura echoed these sentiments, saying, "They treated us worse than dogs. A dog would have been treated better than us."

The Brazilian government has condemned the United States for its handling of the deportations, labelling the treatment of the migrants a violation of human dignity. The incident has fuelled calls for an investigation into the conditions faced by deportees and the oversight of international deportation processes.

President Donald Trump reinstated the "Mexico City Policy," which bans U.S. government funding for foreign organisations that provide or promote abortions. This executive order revokes former President Joe Biden's directive that eliminated the policy, originally established by Ronald Reagan in 1985. According to CNA , the rule prohibits taxpayer support for foreign NGOs involved in abortion-related activities, though foreign governments are exempt. Pro-life advocates praised the reinstatement, while Democratic leaders, like Sen. Patty Murray, criticized it as a dangerous restriction on reproductive health services. Trump also targeted Biden's policies linked to the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions in the U.S.

Migrants in shackles led on to US military plane

US military aircraft, under orders from President Donald Trump, have begun flying detained migrants out of the country, marking a rare use of military planes for this purpose. The first deportation flights carried about 160 migrants to Guatemala, while another flight intended for Mexico was denied access by Mexican authorities. The operation aligns with Trump’s commitment to combat illegal immigration, highlighted by increasing arrests across the US, nearly doubling ICE's daily average. Additionally, Trump plans to deploy more military personnel to the southern border and prioritise the deportation of migrants with criminal backgrounds. Critics have raised concerns over ICE's methods, including conducting workplace raids without warrants, Sky News reports.

Mexico denies US deportation flight landing after miscommunication

A miscommunication regarding a Defense Department manifest led to Mexico rejecting a U.S. deportation flight this week, although Mexico was otherwise prepared to accept the deportees, according to a senior State Department official. While two Air Force C-17 flights deported approximately 160 illegal immigrants to Guatemala, a third flight to Mexico never took off. As reported by Fox News , tensions surrounding the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, including the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy, have strained U.S.-Mexico relations. Despite this incident, the State Department noted that Mexico has cooperated effectively throughout the week, and Trump has deployed 1,500 troops to the southern border as part of his immigration crackdown.

US officially renames Gulf of Mexico and Denali Peak

The US Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali Peak in Alaska to Mount McKinley, following an executive order by President Trump. This decision aims to honour US heritage and historical figures. The renaming has elicited mixed responses, particularly from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who criticised US dominance and humorously suggested renaming the US to "Mexican America." She emphasised the importance of dialogue and asserted that Mexico will not be subordinate to the US, Shafaq News reports.

Mexican sailor returns home after 14 months in Houthi rebel captivity

Mexican sailor Arturo Zacarías Meza returned to his hometown of Misantla, Veracruz, on January 24, 2025, after being held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen for 14 months. He was part of the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, seized by the rebels in November 2023 while transiting the Red Sea. Celebrations welcomed Zacarías home, where neighbours prepared his favourite dish, carnitas, and a band played his favourite song. AP highlights that the crew, consisting of members from various countries, was initially held aboard the ship before being moved to a safe house as they gained the trust of their captors. Their release was facilitated by Oman, and Zacarías expressed gratitude for his safe return, wearing a shirt featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The scams target people online and include fake gambling schemes.

Myanmar’s state newspaper reported on Tuesday that more than 55,000 foreign nationals have been sent back to their home countries.

Over 53,000 of them were sent to China, with smaller groups deported to Vietnam, Thailand, and 25 other nations.

Myanmar's junta said those involved were not Myanmar citizens but “criminals” who entered the country illegally. It urged neighbouring countries to help fight online scams and gambling operations.

Scam centres, often linked to armed groups in Myanmar, used to operate near the country’s border with China. However, a military offensive by ethnic rebel groups forced many to shut down, AFP reports.

 Some of the scam operators have reportedly moved their operations closer to the border with Thailand.

The governments of Myanmar and Thailand have agreed to work together to tackle online scams, according to state media.

"If I were repatriated, it would be a disaster for my family and I," said Huang Haimin, 42, who entered the United States in early 2023. Many Chinese immigrants end up in Queens, New York, where Ma Ju started a private shelter nearly two years ago. "Everyone worries, and I worry for them," Ma said of potential deportations under Trump.

Thailand's poultry exports reached a record 320,000 metric tons in Q3 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, according to the Rabobank Global Poultry Quarterly 2025 report . Total exports for the first three months of 2024 were 920,000 metric tons, up 6% year-over-year. Processed poultry exports particularly thrived, hitting 505,000 metric tons (14% increase) due to strong demand from Europe and Singapore, while raw/salted chicken trade showed weakness.

Rescue operation

A Hong Kong task force, led by Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk, received a positive response from Thailand regarding the rescue of 12 Hong Kong detainees at scam centres near the Thai-Myanmar and Myanmar-Laos borders. Cheuk noted that while the Thai government is committed to the issue, the chaotic conditions in these areas make any rescue operations challenging, and there is no set timeline for their efforts.

Deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China

A human rights group has urged Thailand not to deport 48 Uyghurs to China, where they face persecution. The men have been detained since 2014 after fleeing Xinjiang. Reports of coercion by Thai authorities to prepare for their deportation have heightened concerns for their safety. Justice for All emphasized the need to uphold international human rights standards and the non-refoulement principle, which protects individuals from being returned to places where they risk serious violations.

Greenlight for casino and gambling

Thailand's cabinet has approved a bill to legalize casino gambling, which will be reviewed by the Council of State before debating in parliament. The draft bill permits gambling only in integrated resorts that include various non-gaming facilities. Companies like Melco, Galaxy Entertainment, and MGM Resorts have expressed interest in operating these resorts. The move is seen as beneficial for domestic tourism and the economy, aligning Thailand with other regional markets that offer regulated gambling options, such as Singapore and Vietnam.

Killing of Cambodian government critic Lim Kimya

Thai police have charged Aekaluck Paenoi, a former navy officer and motorcycle taxi driver, with premeditated murder in the killing of Cambodian government critic Lim Kimya in Bangkok on January 7. Lim, 74, an outspoken opponent of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, was shot dead in broad daylight. Aekaluck was arrested in Cambodia and returned to Thailand, where he faces additional charges related to illegal weapon possession. Authorities are searching for a second suspect, identified as Pich Kimsrin, believed to have acted as a spotter.

The individuals were detained on October 7 in raids across Lapu-Lapu City, Pasay City, Tarlac, and Pampanga.

Authorities moved the detainees from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) facility to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for a flight to Shanghai on December 5.

Many had expired or incorrect documentation, making their stay in the Philippines illegal.

The detainees' working visas were downgraded to tourist visas on October 15, leaving them unable to remain legally.

Local reports indicate that PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz announced another batch of deportations involving other nationalities would happen this week.

He also stated that the government is helping families left behind by deportees, providing food, medicine, and temporary rent assistance.

This move is part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling and immigration violations in the Philippines, aimed at improving security and enforcing the law.