The United States has taken decisive action against Nicaragua, imposing visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government and imposing sanctions on three Nicaraguan entities. These measures come in response to what the U.S. describes as “repressive actions” and a failure to address migrant smuggling in the country.
Senior administration officials disclosed that those affected by the visa restrictions include police and paramilitary officials, prosecutors, judges, and public higher education officials.
Concurrently, the Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury issued a joint alert aimed at airlines and travel agents, highlighting how smuggling and human trafficking networks exploit legitimate transportation services to facilitate illegal migration to the United States through Nicaragua.
Expressing serious concerns, the Department of Homeland Security stated, “Actions by the Nicaraguan government are of grave concern. President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have put in place permissive-by-design migration policies.”
The Nicaraguan government has not provided an immediate response to these actions.
In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in migrants flying into Nicaragua and then journeying north overland to the U.S.-Mexico border, with some smugglers promoting this route through social networks. This trend is seen as an alternative to the arduous journey through the jungle region known as the Darien Gap on the Colombia-Panama border, often undertaken by migrants starting their journeys in Brazil or other South American countries.
The Biden administration, amid record numbers of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, faces challenges in immigration management. As President Joe Biden seeks reelection in November, immigration has become a top concern for voters.
