The United States has taken decisive action against Nicaragua, imposing visa restrictions on over 250 government members and sanctioning three Nicaraguan entities in response to what it perceives as “repressive actions” and a failure to address migrant smuggling issues within the country.
Among those targeted for visa restrictions are police and paramilitary officials, prosecutors, judges, and public higher education officials, according to senior administration officials.
Simultaneously, the Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have issued a joint alert to warn airlines and travel agents about the exploitation of legitimate transportation services by smuggling and human trafficking networks facilitating illegal migration to the United States via Nicaragua.
The Department of Homeland Security expressed grave concern over the Nicaraguan government’s permissive migration policies, particularly under President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo’s leadership.
The Nicaraguan government has yet to respond to these measures.
Recent trends indicate an increase in migrants flying into Nicaragua and then traveling north overland to reach the U.S.-Mexico border, with some smugglers actively promoting this route through social networks.