Trump toughens immigration and puts pressure on Venezuela

Below, the daily summary from the Mundo editorial team.

New US foreign and immigration policy under Trump

President Donald Trump toughens US foreign and immigration policy. He signed a memorandum to suspend the entry of citizens of 19 nationalities. Nigerians involved in persecuting Christians were also banned from entering the country.

Trump warned that any country involved in drug trafficking could suffer American attacks. In line with this, the US sanctioned people and companies linked to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The pressure resulted in an agreement with President Nicolás Maduro, which accepted migrant repatriation flights.

In other actions, Trump granted a pardon to a Democratic congressman who would be “persecuted” by the previous administration. The family of a man killed in a US attack in the Caribbean has reported the Trump administration to the IACHR.

Venezuela under internal and external pressure

Venezuela faces increasing internal and external pressures. The US accuses Nicolás Maduro’s government of facilitating drug trafficking. The country would also be a base for Iran in the region. Trump’s actions changed Maduro’s routine, who strengthened his security with support from Cuba.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a general to Venezuela. His mission is to train the South American country’s armed forces. Internally, repression intensifies. A journalist was arrested for reporting a hole in an avenue. A family also denounced the clandestine trial of a relative, sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Hotspots of instability in Latin America

Peru has become a route for illegal immigration and drug trafficking. According to a report, international mafias control criminal activities in the country. In Argentina, the court ordered the extradition of five Brazilians. They are wanted for involvement in the acts of January 8th in Brazil.

In Cuba, a major blackout hit the western part of the island. Around 3.5 million people were left without electricity.

Actions and tensions in Europe and Asia

China has carried out simulated attacks on ships near Taiwan. The action takes place amid tensions with Japan. Internally, the Chinese government censored more than 40 thousand messages about the real estate market. The publications were considered “pessimistic”.

In Europe, the Polish Court banned the existence of the Communist Party. The decision alleges that the party glorifies criminal regimes. In Germany, authorities arrested Iraqis. They are accused of maintaining ties with the Islamic State terrorist group.