Latin America

Tuesday, February 24th 2026 - 12:05 UTC
Colombia brings 12 Mexican Mennonites to trial over deforestation

Colombia’s prosecutor’s office is taking 12 Mexican Mennonites to trial over alleged deforestation of more than 100 hectares in rural Puerto Gaitán, Meta province, tied to agricultural land development carried out between 2016 and 2021.
Tuesday, February 24th 2026 - 03:12 UTC
Mexico deploys thousands of troops after violence flares following “El Mencho” death

Mexico has deployed thousands of additional soldiers and security personnel to contain a wave of violence reported across at least 20 states after the death in custody of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — known as “El Mencho” — leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), according to federal officials.
Monday, February 23rd 2026 - 00:24 UTC
“El Mencho” killing triggers roadblocks and cartel violence across Mexico

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), triggered a wave of violence on Sunday marked by road blockades, vehicle burnings and armed incidents across multiple parts of Mexico, with Jalisco at the center and spillover into neighboring and other states.
Saturday, February 21st 2026 - 02:09 UTC
Peru’s transitional government rules out pardons after Pedro Castillo clemency request

Peru’s transitional government said on Friday it has no plans “pending or scheduled” to grant presidential clemency, including pardons, one day after former president Pedro Castillo filed a request seeking such relief.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 04:39 UTC
Peru's congress names José María Balcázar interim president

Peru’s Congress late Wednesday elected José María Balcázar, an 83-year-old lawmaker from Peru Libre, as the country’s interim president following the removal of President José Jerí amid allegations tied to undisclosed meetings and suspected influence peddling. Balcázar is set to remain in office until July 28, when he must hand power to the winner of the general election scheduled for April 12.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 00:23 UTC
Peru’s Congress heads to runoff vote to pick José Jerí’s successor

Peru’s Congress moved to a second-round vote to elect a new head of the legislature, who will automatically become president after José Jerí was removed on Tuesday amid allegations of influence peddling and suspicious links to Chinese businessmen.
Wednesday, February 18th 2026 - 12:04 UTC
Marco Rubio holds discreet contacts with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Axios reports

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held discreet talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson and caretaker of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, bypassing official Cuban government channels, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the outreach.
Tuesday, February 17th 2026 - 23:59 UTC
Peru’s Congress ousts interim President José Jerí

Peru’s Congress voted on Tuesday to remove interim President José Jerí, just four months after he took office, deepening political uncertainty only weeks before the April 12 general election.
Tuesday, February 17th 2026 - 04:06 UTC
US, Canada and Mexico face measles outbreaks months before World Cup 2026

With fewer than four months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the United States, Canada and Mexico —the tournament’s three host countries— are reporting significant measles resurgences, a highly contagious disease that had been pushed back across the region through routine immunization. Health authorities and international bodies are urging stronger vaccination and surveillance as public trust in vaccine guidance frays.
Tuesday, February 17th 2026 - 03:47 UTC
Colombian pro-Trump lawmaker asks Petro for help after ICE arrests her son

Colombian Conservative congresswoman Ángela Vergara says her 22-year-old son, Rafael Alfonso Vergara, has been detained in the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and had spent “18 days jailed and chained” when she first went public.