AGP Executive Report

Drug Policy: Colombia’s executive, led by President Abelardo De la Espriella, annulled a 2015 rule banning glyphosate spraying on illicit drug crops—while stressing it still won’t automatically restart aerial fumigation and must meet Constitutional Court conditions like environmental plans, community consultation, health sign-off, and ongoing risk monitoring. Economy & Markets: Uncertainty over De la Espriella’s proposed 2027 budget rattled investors, pushing the dollar up as much as 80 pesos as the plan projects a 9.4% GDP deficit. Migration & Security: Opposition politicians and migrant groups criticized a new deportation campaign announced by De la Espriella, aimed first at people “committing crimes” and then those without regular status, with Venezuelans expected to be hit hardest. Earthquake Response: After Colombia’s 7.4 quake, 3,300 food kits are being delivered to Cali, and the UN warns the disaster could worsen child recruitment risks as schools damaged by the quake struggle to reopen. Environment: Cundinamarca firefighting teams reported 16 forest fires in 24 hours, burning about 285.5 hectares, with hot spots still active. Transport & Trade: South Carolina Ports added CMA CGM’s AMERXL rotation, boosting cold-chain access for shippers to Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile. Sports: IndyCar cooled Barranquilla mayor Alejandro Char’s claim that a 2028 race is finalized, saying talks are only at the earliest due-diligence stage.

Earthquake Relief: Beyoncé pledged $1M for immediate food and housing support in Colombia’s Chocó region after the Aug. 10, 7.4 quake, with aid routed through groups like Food For the Poor and World Central Kitchen. Security & Peace Process: President Abelardo de la Espriella says Colombia is ending peace talks with illegal armed groups, pushing “iron-fist” measures including megaprisons and the extradition of five senior rebel commanders. Armed Conflict Update: Colombia’s military reported an offensive in Guaviare that it says killed at least eight FARC dissidents, while a French Foreign Legion corporal was kidnapped in Nariño and linked to the EMC. Violence Trends: A new report says massacres surged in Colombia despite the 2016 peace accord, with FARC dissidents operating across hundreds of municipalities. Climate Watch: IDEAM says El Niño is developing faster than expected, raising risks for drought, wildfires, and water shortages. Politics & Elections: Former President Gustavo Petro alleges voter manipulation tied to bot farms and calls for annulment of recent election results.

Security Crackdown: President Abelardo de la Espriella says Colombia captured alleged Tren de Aragua leader Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto (“Páez”/“Nairobi”) in Bogotá, wanted by the U.S. for arms and drug trafficking, and vowed no “sanctuary” for criminals. Counterinsurgency: The government also reported a military strike in Guaviare against FARC dissidents under alias Calarcá, saying eight were killed and weapons seized. Disaster Response: After the Aug. 10 earthquake, recovery continues with water and shelter strain; meanwhile, a 4.4 quake hit Chocó’s Istmina area with no reported damage. Humanitarian Aid: Beyoncé pledged $1 million for earthquake relief in Colombia, joining other major donations aimed at food and housing. Public Services: In the Dominican Republic, El Niño is cutting drinking-water production sharply—an example of how climate stress is hitting regional utilities. Culture & Sports: Rock al Parque’s 30th anniversary lineup was announced for Oct. 10-12 in Bogotá, and Colombia’s Camila Osorio is set to face Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open women’s draw.

Earthquake Relief: Beyoncé pledged $1 million for Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake response in Chocó, joining Shakira’s $1.25 million school-rebuild commitment and other music-industry donations as the disaster toll and displacement remain severe. Aftershocks & Preparedness: A separate magnitude 5.1 quake hit northeastern Santander, triggering precautionary evacuations in Bogotá and Bucaramanga, with authorities monitoring impacts. Wildfires & Blame Game: El Niño-linked dry conditions have fueled 18 active wildfires, with Tolima hardest hit (20,000+ hectares burned); officials arrested two suspects and the government says criminal groups may be involved, while former President Petro amplified claims tying the fires to foreign interests and the “Greater Israel Project.” Security & Drug War: Ecuador announced coordinated border operations with Colombia and the U.S. targeting drug-trafficking-linked armed groups, including joint surveillance and possible unified command posts. Immigration Crackdown: Colombia’s new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, vowed to deport thousands of undocumented immigrants, starting with operations in Barranquilla. Policy & Health Debate: Lawmakers pushed to eliminate Colombia’s “healthy tax” on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, arguing it pressures small shops without delivering health gains.

Earthquake Response: Colombia was hit again on Aug. 26 by a 5.1 quake in Santander (Los Santos), triggering evacuations in Bogotá and Bucaramanga, with no serious damage reported so far. Disaster Toll Update: The earlier Aug. 10 7.4 earthquake continues to worsen: Colombia’s UNGRD says 331 dead, 4,449 injured, 240 missing, and 406,273 people registered as affected across 494 municipalities. Celebrity Relief: Beyoncé pledged $1 million for emergency food and housing supplies in quake-hit Chocó, routed through Food For The Poor and World Central Kitchen. International Aid: Canada announced more than $2 million in aid for Colombia’s quake recovery, including support via the World Food Programme and Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Security & Migration: Colombia’s new government is also moving on immigration enforcement, with reports of immigration raids targeting irregular migrants and deportation plans. Tech & Safety: A new report highlights how cheap drones are being adapted for violence, including in Colombia’s conflict, pushing governments to play catch-up.

Earthquake Update: Colombia’s UNGRD says the Aug. 10 7.4 quake death toll has climbed to 331, with 406,273 people registered as affected across 494 municipalities; 33,275 homes are reported destroyed and 185,889 damaged. Disaster Response: Pereira Airport has resumed flights two weeks after the quake, while aid groups and volunteers keep pushing supplies to hard-hit areas. Politics & Elections: Colombia’s Congress elected the nine magistrates of the National Electoral Council (CNE) for 2026-2030, with right-leaning forces gaining more seats than left-wing parties. Migration Crackdown: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered coordinated operations to identify and deport undocumented migrants, starting with major cities and border areas. Armed Groups & Children: Human Rights Watch reports Facebook and TikTok helped spread Colombian armed-group recruitment content targeting children. US Visa Policy: The Trump administration paused immigrant visa applications worldwide as consular officers receive new training tied to “public charge” screening. Culture & Sports: Beyoncé pledged $1M for Colombia earthquake relief; Camilo’s “Vida de Rico” hit 1B YouTube views; and Colombia’s Tolima lost to Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in Libertadores.

Wildfires & Possible Sabotage: Colombia’s Tolima province says criminal groups may be behind some forest fires, after reports of men on motorcycles and gasoline use; the blazes have scorched nearly 30,000 hectares, with drought and El Niño conditions worsening the spread. Immigration Crackdown: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police and migration authorities to identify and deport migrants without legal status, starting in Barranquilla, focusing first on people committing crimes. Human Rights Alarm: HRW and Colombia’s Ombudsman warn the new government inherits a grim picture—armed groups have recruited about 1,500 children and adolescents since 2021, while 651 massacres were recorded between 2019 and mid-2026. Public Media Shake-Up: Colombia suspended programming on 20 “Peace Stations” tied to the 2016 FARC peace deal, drawing criticism since the network was the only fully implemented peace component. Health for Venezuelan Migrants: Community-based HIV services in Colombia report nearly 7% HIV positivity among Venezuelan migrants, with many reaching viral suppression despite legal and administrative barriers. Earthquake Response: PAHO/WHO is supporting Colombia’s health recovery after the Aug. 10 quake, including damage assessments and restoring essential services.

Immigration Crackdown: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella ordered operations to identify and deport foreigners without legal status, starting in Barranquilla, prioritizing alleged criminals first. Earthquake Recovery: After the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, Colombia’s death toll rose to 331 as UNGRD updated injuries, missing people, and damage; the government formally began reconstruction in Chocó and launched major financial support for families. US Visa Shock (Global Impact): The Trump administration is preparing the largest mass revocation in US history—up to 200,000 B1/B2 business and tourism visas—targeting people who sought asylum, a move likely to face legal challenges. Armed Groups & Children: A report says Colombia’s armed groups are recruiting children, using social media and explosive drones. Drug Case: A Dutch cocaine-broker investigation in Colombia has expanded to 55 suspects. Space & Youth: A 15-year-old from Palmira was selected for India’s ShakthiSAT 2026 nanosatellite mission.

US Visa Crackdown: The Trump administration is preparing what would be the biggest mass revocation of U.S. visas in history, targeting up to 200,000 foreigners whose B1/B2 business or tourism visas were issued between 2016 and 2026 and who sought asylum. Immigration Enforcement in Colombia: President Abelardo de la Espriella orders a crackdown on irregular migration, directing authorities to detain undocumented foreigners convicted of crimes and start deportation procedures. Child Recruitment Warning: Human Rights Watch says Facebook and TikTok helped spread Colombian armed-group content recruiting children, including training them for drone warfare. Disaster Response: Israel’s IDF says it has helped thousands of Colombians return to earthquake-damaged hospitals and schools, and has handed over AI and mapping systems to support further safety checks. Tech & Cities: Medellín prepares the first Artificial Intelligence Week in the Americas (INMERXIA) in November. Culture Spotlight: Bogotá was named Ibero-American Capital of Cultures 2027.

Armed Groups & Children: Human Rights Watch says about 44% of minors recruited by Colombia’s armed groups in 2025 were approached via social media, with recruitment complaints rarely leading to investigations or convictions; the report also flags Cauca as a hotspot and notes a sharp rise in cases since 2023. Earthquake Relief: Colombia’s recovery continues to draw international support, including China delivering about 80 tons of emergency supplies (generators, water purification, tents, solar lighting) to quake-hit regions. Security & Sovereignty: A Brazilian analyst warns that U.S. ground military expansion in Colombia and other Latin American countries signals an “escalation of imperialism,” arguing it risks violating regional sovereignty. Immigration Policy: A U.S. federal judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, a ruling that also affects countries including Colombia. Culture & Solidarity: Latin music stars are rallying for quake reconstruction through the “Voces por la Vida” benefit concert, with major artists set to participate.

Earthquake Response: China delivered about 80 tons of emergency relief to Colombia after the Aug. 10 quake, including generators, water purification gear, disinfection equipment, solar lights, tents and blankets, with the Chinese ambassador praising shared disaster support. Disaster Toll & Aid: Colombia’s quake response continues as UNGRD figures cite 329 deaths, 4,600 injured and 247 missing, with hundreds of thousands affected across dozens of departments; fundraising and concerts are ramping up in Bogota and abroad. Security & Drugs: Colombia’s new government reports early results against trafficking: 12.3 tons of cocaine, 11.2 tons of marijuana seized, 1,574 arrests and 162 drug-linked facilities dismantled in its first 15 days. Foreign Policy: Former President Gustavo Petro says restoring ties with Israel while Netanyahu remains in power amounts to “applauding the genocide,” urging sovereignty for both Israel and Palestine. Regional Context: ECLAC keeps Latin America’s 2026 growth forecast at 2.2%, warning the pace is too weak to lift living standards.

Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s quake toll climbed to 329 dead, with 4,600 injured and 247 missing, as President Abelardo de la Espriella said 314,751 people were affected and ordered checks into renewed fires in Tolima. Private Sector Relief: The president also reported private contributions for reconstruction have topped 2 trillion pesos (about $651M). Coal Exports to Israel: Colombia authorized a restart of coal exports to Israel, reversing Petro-era restrictions and calling the prior ban “ideological.” Diplomacy & Western Sahara: More than 40 Colombian lawmakers condemned the government’s recognition of Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, saying it makes Colombia complicit in denying self-determination. US Immigration Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, ruling it was “patently unlawful,” and the decision covers applicants including Colombia. Myth vs Reality: Colombia earthquake HAARP conspiracy claims were debunked by experts, who say the quake was caused by natural faulting.

Immigration Courts: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority—reversing a freeze that included Colombia and other Latin American states. Avianca Discipline: Colombian influencer Yeferson Cossio was banned from flying with Avianca for one year after setting off a stink bomb on a Bogotá–Madrid flight in March. Earthquake Recovery (Cali): Doctors performed an emergency amputation under Cali earthquake rubble to free a trapped woman after more than 10 hours. Climate & Land Restoration: In Sesquilé and Guatavita, Colombia planted 97,000 native trees and installed 190 beehives to restore 577 hectares of high Andean forest and support local livelihoods. Sports (Colombia in focus): Colombia’s Flor Denis Ruiz Hurtado took second in the javelin at the Diamond League in Lausanne.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s disaster agency UNGRD says the Aug. 10 quake death toll has climbed to 329, with 247 missing and 4,600 injured, after homes were flattened and rescue teams pulled 364 people to safety. Regional Politics: At the Pan-American Congress in Montevideo, progressive leaders criticized US interference in Latin America while also urging their own movements to admit past mistakes. Culture & Literature: Three Colombians—Felipe Nunez Mestre, Maria del Mar Ramon, and Lorena Salazar Masso—were selected for the Guadalajara International Book Fair’s young authors list. US-Centered Legal Battle (Colombia-linked): A US federal judge struck down a Trump policy suspending immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Colombia, calling it “patently unlawful.” Sports: Colombia’s Daniel Muñoz is reportedly weighing a possible move from Crystal Palace to Tottenham amid right-back competition. Climate Impact on Livestock: FEDEGAN reports El Niño has killed 9,865 cattle and buffaloes and affected 2+ million hectares since June 1.

Earthquake Recovery in Colombia: Colombia’s government says the quake response is shifting from rescue to rebuilding, with an economic emergency plan aimed at preventing job losses in hard-hit regions, including wage subsidies and relief on social-protection obligations. Humanitarian Aid: Aid continues to pour in from abroad, including Türkiye sending food, blankets and medicine, while the UN says 1.2 million people still need help. Shakira’s Schools Push: Pop star Shakira pledged $1.25 million to rebuild earthquake-damaged schools in Chocó, including new construction and support for students. Disaster Spillover: In parallel, forest fires in Tolima have damaged 50+ homes and burned nearly 20,000 hectares, keeping local authorities on alert. Local Governance & Accountability: A controversy is growing over the appointment of De la Espriella’s ex-wife to a senior notaries role, raising conflict-of-interest questions.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s quake recovery keeps rolling as aid and search efforts continue after the Aug. 10 disaster that killed about 300+ and left thousands injured, with Bogotá’s archdiocese launching a “spiritual first aid” mission for quake-hit cities. International Solidarity: U.S. teams are still arriving—Los Angeles County Fire’s urban search-and-rescue unit returned home after a week in Colombia, while Virginia Task Force 1 also came back after structural assessments and rescue support. Disaster Aid & Logistics: The humanitarian push includes new shipments and expanded assistance as officials adjust casualty figures and keep communities out of reach in the hardest-hit areas. Security & State Presence: President Abelardo de la Espriella formalized a military leadership renewal, promising a tougher, nonstop fight against illegal armed groups and stronger state presence nationwide. Regional Context: A separate 6.7 quake struck southern Peru, reminding the region how active seismic risk remains.