AGP Executive Report

Colombia Election Shock With El Salvador Echo: Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella surged to first place in Colombia’s presidential vote with about 43.7%, setting up a June 21 runoff against leftist senator Iván Cepeda at about 40.9%, after President Gustavo Petro and Cepeda publicly questioned the preliminary results and alleged irregularities. The race is being watched across Latin America for its security-first, Trump- and Bukele-style messaging versus “total peace” negotiations, with Paloma Valencia collapsing to under 7% and likely becoming key to the runoff math. World Cup Prep Hits El Salvador Link: South Korea’s Cho Yu-min is ruled out of the World Cup after a foot injury in a 5-0 friendly over Trinidad and Tobago, and the team is still scheduled to play El Salvador in a friendly on June 3. El Salvador in the Spotlight Abroad: A California judge ordered a Milwaukee teacher’s aide facing deportation to El Salvador to be allowed to return to the U.S. while her trafficking-victim visa case is reviewed.

Colombia Election: Colombians began voting Sunday in a high-stakes presidential race that could steer the country away from “total peace” talks and toward a hard-right military crackdown, with leftist senator Iván Cepeda leading polls but hard-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella closing fast amid a campaign shadowed by car bombs, drone attacks, and assassinations. World Cup Build-Up (El Salvador connection): South Korea crushed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Utah and will next face El Salvador at BYU South Field, setting up a direct tune-up for both teams ahead of the June 11 tournament opener. Public Health: Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with spread risks heightened by conflict and cross-border movement. Sports (Local): Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton and Brandon Sousa lost in straight sets in NORCECA beach volleyball in San Salvador, finishing the day in a lower playoff bracket.

Education Push: El Salvador says it hit 100% coverage for school supply kits, delivering materials to students nationwide as Bukele’s government doubles down on education as a development pillar. Economy & Migration: The Central Reserve Bank reports remittances rose 6.8% in the first four months of 2026, topping $3.28 billion, with the U.S. still the main source. Environment: The #MOPVerde reforestation drive moves into a new phase, with tree-planting and volunteer events scheduled for May 30-31, including at Bicentennial Park. Business & Tourism: Pollo Campero opened a new flagship in San Salvador’s historic center, a $2.5 million investment tied to the area’s renewed safety and private-sector comeback. Regional Spotlight: A NORCECA beach volleyball stop in San Salvador got underway with Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton and Brandon Sousa facing tough early losses. Sports & Culture: Rafael “Pollo” Brito released “Una Nueva Vida,” part of a Salvadoran music reimagining project aimed at modernizing tradition.

Remittances Watch: El Salvador’s remittances rose 6.8% in the first four months of 2026, reaching $3.2867 billion, with the U.S. still the main source. Local Economy & Jobs: Pollo Campero opened a new flagship in San Salvador’s Historic Center, a $2.5 million investment expected to create 50 jobs and signal renewed private activity in the area. Environment: The government is pushing ahead with #MOPVerde, adding tree-planting events this weekend, including at Bicentennial Park, with volunteers and state nurseries supplying seedlings. Regional Education: Nayib Bukele’s personal bitcoin donation is helping build a school in Honduras, with organizers saying it could open as early as September. Public Safety & Rights: A mass trial in El Salvador has started for 486 alleged gang members, tied to more than 47,000 crimes, raising fresh human-rights concerns over the long-running emergency crackdown.

El Salvador Deportation Fallout: A U.S. judge ordered the government to let former Milwaukee teacher’s aide Yessenia Ruano return to the U.S. after she was effectively forced to self-deport to El Salvador in 2025 while a T-visa application was pending, in a case tied to claims of “vindictive” treatment of crime victims and due-process violations. CBS/“60 Minutes” Shakeup: CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss launched a major overhaul of “60 Minutes,” firing top figures including executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, while naming tech journalist Nick Bilton as executive producer—sparking fresh accusations of political “censorship,” including over a delayed segment involving El Salvador’s CECOT prison. Local Community Spotlight: In San Salvador, a community hub called Sally’s Workshop is using creative work and practical skills to support people with developmental disabilities, pushing dignity and entrepreneurship beyond charity. Sports (El Salvador on the Pitch): South Korea’s World Cup warm-up schedule includes a friendly against El Salvador in Utah, as the team prepares for high-altitude conditions. Second-Hand Clothing Economy: A new study says U.S. second-hand clothing is a major source of affordable garments in El Salvador, with most items priced under $15 through a structured reuse market.

El Salvador Tourism & Environment: San Salvador’s Bicentennial Park is now open 24/7 after the government removed the 5 p.m. curfew, pairing longer hours with upgraded lighting, restrooms, and seating plus a fresh tree-planting push around the park and El Espino forest. Surf City Pro: El Salvador is gearing up for the Surf City El Salvador Pro and Festival (June 6–14), with organizers saying admission will be completely free to draw thousands of visitors and boost local business. Local Economy: El Salvador’s private banking deposits jumped 17.4% to $20.7 billion in March 2026, signaling continued financial momentum. International Spotlight: CBS News’ “60 Minutes” is in turmoil, with Bari Weiss replacing executive producer Tanya Simon with tech journalist Nick Bilton and firing correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega amid a dispute tied to a Salvadoran prison segment. Sports (Regional): South Korea will play El Salvador in a pre-World Cup friendly in Utah next week, after facing Trinidad and Tobago first.

Media Shakeup: CBS News named tech journalist Nick Bilton as the new executive producer of “60 Minutes,” replacing Tanya Simon, as the show reels from internal turmoil and high-profile departures. Local Spotlight on El Salvador: The dispute traces back to a delayed “60 Minutes” segment on El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, where correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi says CBS pulled a factually accurate story after editorial clashes. Immigration Court Fight: In the U.S., Kilmar Abrego Garcia—wrongfully deported to El Salvador—pushed a federal judge to block removal to any country other than Costa Rica after a Tennessee court dismissed the DOJ’s human smuggling case as “vindictive.” Sports & Community: A Salvadoran-hosted youth basketball event, Capital Basketera, included Bermuda sisters T’Mia and Phoenix Williams, showing El Salvador’s growing role in regional sports exchanges.

National Stadium Update: El Salvador’s new National Stadium hit the 50% construction milestone, with officials saying civil works are on schedule for a mid-2027 opening and crews are now shifting to external parking-sector works. Anti-Corruption Push: The Ministry of Public Works received ISO 37001:2016 certification for its anti-bribery management system, including anonymous reporting channels like WhatsApp, hotlines, and email. Education Aid for Border Families: Salvadoran families with dual nationality in border communities thanked President Nayib Bukele for expanded educational support, saying it’s easing household pressure and improving access to school materials. Tourism & Investment: El Salvador is highlighted on international travel lists and is hosting major Ibero-American sustainability tourism talks, while new industrial investment is also boosting jobs and demand for workers. U.S.-El Salvador Prison Spotlight: The global media storm around CBS’s “60 Minutes” and its CECOT prison segment continues, with correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi saying her contract wasn’t renewed after an editorial dispute tied to the El Salvador prison story.

CBS/60 Minutes Fallout: Sharyn Alfonsi says CBS declined to renew her contract after a dispute over her “Inside CECOT” reporting on alleged abuse of deported Venezuelan men to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, calling it punishment for refusing to “sanitize” facts; CBS has not commented. El Salvador Security Spotlight: A new documentary, “The Day Fear Changed Sides,” has topped 800,000 views worldwide, focusing on El Salvador’s gang-violence decline under President Nayib Bukele and how the security shift boosted tourism and investment. Education Push: El Salvador’s “Two Schools a Day” drive reports 1,100 schools renovated nationwide, alongside 100% delivery of school supply packages. Regional Tourism: A report highlights a tourism surge between El Salvador and Guatemala driven by road travel and short getaways, challenging Costa Rica’s long-held dominance. Local Culture: One municipality marked Raúl Castro’s revolutionary legacy with a “Raúl is Raúl” program of events and restorations. International Sports Link: Qatar’s World Cup build-up includes a June 6 friendly against El Salvador.

U.S. Immigration Clash: Maryland sheriffs are suing the state over the new “Community Trust Act,” arguing it was rushed and would block local jails from holding people for ICE without a warrant and from asking detainees about immigration status—while Gov. Wes Moore says he won’t veto it but admits implementation issues need fixing. Legal Fallout: In a separate U.S. case tied to deportation fights, a federal judge dismissed human-smuggling charges against Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution “vindictive” and politically motivated. El Salvador Economy: El Salvador’s industrial push continues as Lactolac starts a $50 million expansion in Nejapa to modernize production and logistics. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar’s squad has departed for Ireland, with a final warm-up against El Salvador set for June 6. Local Spotlight: Sarita’s Bakery in Worcester is bringing Salvadoran sweets to new customers, highlighting semita alta and other traditional favorites.

World Cup Squads: Panama named captain Aníbal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla in its World Cup roster after El Salvador helped seal qualification, with warm-ups set before the team heads to Canada. Colombia Election: Colombia’s May 31 vote is shaping into a three-way race—leftist Iván Cepeda, right-wing Abelardo de la Espriella, and conservative Paloma Valencia—while violence and drone attacks keep pressure high ahead of a likely runoff. UK Sanctions: The UK expanded Russia sanctions by 18 entries, adding three Georgia-based firms and listing entities tied to crypto and illicit finance networks, with one Salvadoran name appearing in the broader set. El Salvador in the Spotlight: El Salvador broke into Latin America’s top 10 startup ecosystems and continues to court investment, while Costa Rica moves to adopt parts of El Salvador’s prison “Zero Idleness” approach. Security Crackdown: A regional INTERPOL-backed operation reported 3,308 firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs seized across 20 countries.

El Salvador–Japan Pivot: El Salvador and Japan deepened their strategic alliance through new talks focused on trade, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and disaster-risk cooperation, with Salvadoran exports like Pacamara coffee, cacao, and rum highlighted for expanded access to Japan. Startup Momentum: El Salvador broke into Latin America’s top 10 startup ecosystems for the first time, ranking 10th regionally and 80th globally as policy shifts—especially an AI law creating a regulatory framework and a zero tax rate for innovation—helped boost local startup activity and funding. Press Freedom Warning: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom has hit a record low, with more countries sliding into “difficult” or “very serious” categories. Crypto Policy Signal: Switzerland’s 0% Bitcoin tax policy is fueling fresh debate on which countries will attract digital-finance investment—an area where El Salvador is already trying to lead. Regional Context: Costa Rica announced it will adopt a prison work-and-training model inspired by El Salvador’s approach, signaling growing interest in Salvadoran security reforms.

ICE Crackdown: ICE announced arrests of criminal “illegal aliens” over Mother’s Day weekend, including a Salvadoran man convicted of rape and child sex offenses, as U.S. immigration enforcement ramps up ahead of the World Cup. Courtroom Blowback: In Tennessee, a federal judge dismissed charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution “vindictive” after he challenged his wrongful deportation to El Salvador. El Salvador Spotlight: El Salvador debuted in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, landing 10th in Latin America and 80th globally, tied to a push for innovation and AI rules. Local Travel Buzz: Laguna de Apastepeque turned turquoise, drawing crowds to the San Vicente crater lake—no public health alert issued. Sports & Culture: Qatar’s World Cup camp continues with a push for the knockout stage, while El Salvador’s Matia Cristiani advanced at NCAA tennis and Inter Miami/UNICEF backed a soccer village fundraiser that includes programs in El Salvador.

Immigration Crackdown: The Trump administration says many green card applicants must leave the U.S. and apply through U.S. consulates abroad, with USCIS calling adjustment of status an “extraordinary” privilege—raising fears of family separation and forced returns to countries people may not have lived in for years. Courtroom Clash: In Tennessee, a federal judge threw out human smuggling charges against Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, saying the prosecution was “vindictive” after he challenged his deportation; DOJ says it will appeal. El Salvador Spotlight: The Laguna de Apastepeque near San Vicente has turned a vivid turquoise, drawing crowds as officials link the color shift to a cyanobacteria bloom. World Cup Build-Up: Qatar players say they’re targeting the second round, with friendlies including El Salvador ahead of the June 13 opener. Local Sports: Matia Cristiani and Sandra Sikharulidze advanced at NCAA Division III tennis, while Al Annabi’s camp keeps confidence high.

Immigration Court Clash: A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed all human smuggling charges against Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution “vindictive” and tied to his fight over a mistaken deportation to El Salvador—though the DOJ says it will appeal. Green Card Pressure: The Trump administration also moved to require many temporary visa holders to leave the U.S. and apply for green cards from abroad, raising fresh anxiety for families already in the country. Local Spotlight: In the U.S., ICE detained an El Salvador man while he waited for his son’s school bus in Bridgeport, leaving his whereabouts unclear. El Salvador Ties in Sports: Matia Cristiani (San Salvador) advanced to NCAA Division III semifinals, while another El Salvador native, Rodrigo Albayeros, was promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Franklin College. Culture & Community: Inter Miami and UNICEF built a soccer village in Fort Lauderdale to raise money for programs including in El Salvador.

Immigration Court Clash: A Tennessee federal judge dismissed human smuggling charges against Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the case an abuse of prosecuting power tied to his fight against a wrongful deportation to El Salvador; the DOJ says it will appeal. Deportation Fallout: The ruling lands amid broader anxiety over Trump’s new green card rule requiring many temporary visa holders to apply from abroad, a shift that could force thousands to leave the U.S. Local Human Impact: In Tennessee, another deportation case hit hard for families after a judge cleared the way to remove a Maryville High School graduate back to El Salvador. ICE Tensions: Separate reporting highlights hunger strikes at ICE facilities and allegations of harsh treatment inside detention. El Salvador Angle: The Abrego case keeps spotlighting how U.S. deportation decisions can collide with court orders and send people to El Salvador’s mega-jail system.