Trump Administration Plans Strict Immigration Policy Changes

“We must ensure the security of our borders against trafficking and illegal immigration” because it is the “top priority,” Kristi Noem, chosen by Donald Trump as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated this Friday before the Senate. “President Trump was elected with a clear mandate; he needs to fulfill that mission,” she …

Migrant Crisis Fuels Billion Dollar Criminal Enterprise at US Border

Ana Maria had to pay to enter Mexico illegally — or risk being kidnapped by ruthless criminals who have turned the migration crisis into a multibillion-dollar business. As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office next week with a vow to crack down hard on illegal migration, gangs are using threats and extortion to …

Guatemala Fuego Volcano Spews Massive Ash Clouds and Rock Fragments

The Fuego volcano, located 35 km from Guatemala’s capital, is registering launches of columns of gas, ash, and rocks, reported the institute of volcanology this Saturday, which asked nearby communities and air navigation to remain alert. The “weak to moderate” explosions occur at a frequency of 15 or more per hour and “produce columns of …

Costa Ricans Rally Against Foreign Gentrification in Tourist Areas

On Friday morning, Costa Ricans protested against gentrification. A group of demonstrators from all over the country gathered with banners and proposals for legislators outside the Legislative Assembly. This group of Costa Ricans assert that the phenomenon of gentrification is displacing residents due to the influx of foreigners with high purchasing power. The demonstrators noted …

Costa Rica Wildlife Guide Confesses Pauraque Pet Peeves

Sometimes while working with children in environmental education programming, I’ll have a student comment that one animal or another is bad. I always tell them that no species is either good or bad, they’re all just trying to stay alive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Mosquitos aren’t bad. Sharks aren’t bad. …

Costa Rica Tourism Booms at Liberia Airport

The Guanacaste Airport in Liberia, registered a total of 1,910,354 passengers in 2024, representing an interannual growth of 16% compared to 2023 and a new visitor record for the airport. Toronto, Los Angeles, and Miami are the source markets from which most passengers arrived at Guanacaste Airport during the year. This solidifies North America as …

Avianca Launches New Route Between Costa Rica and Puerto Rico

Avianca Airlines announced the launch of a new direct flight route connecting San José (SJO), Costa Rica, and San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico, starting March 31, 2025. After 20 years, both cities will have direct flights for the convenience of travelers. The announcement was made by the governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, alongside …

Nicaragua Military Reform Adds Thousands to Volunteer Police Force

With their faces covered in black hoods, thousands of civilians were sworn in by Nicaraguan authorities as “volunteer police,” a force created as part of a controversial constitutional reform that the opposition in exile describes as “paramilitary.” About 2,500 volunteer police officers, dressed in white shirts and black pants, lined up to take their oath …

Costa Rica’s President Chaves Welcomes Venezuelan President-Elect González

The President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, received at the Presidential House the president-elect of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia. The Venezuelan opposition politician also held a meeting at the Legislative Assembly. President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his respect and admiration for both González and leader María Corina Machado. “You have shown courage and fighting spirit to …