AGP Executive Report

Drought Crisis: Honduras has put 80% of the country—including Tegucigalpa—on El Niño drought alert as reservoirs drop, crops fail, and livestock die, with emergency plans like new wells, reservoirs, and food deliveries aimed at lasting through March or April. U.S.-Honduras Migration Pressure: The U.S. has been quietly deporting Mexican nationals to Honduras and Guatemala, drawing Mexico’s protest and raising fears for people sent to places where they may lack legal status. TPS Crackdown Impacting Honduras: A U.S. judge lifted the last court block to end Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, while TPS terminations continue across multiple countries that include Honduras, leaving affected migrants facing deportation. Security and Human Rights: Reports also highlight ICE arrests tied to serious crimes, including cases involving people from Honduras, while broader deportation enforcement remains a flashpoint. Trade and Logistics: Crowley announced a new weekly container service linking Houston with Santo Tomás de Castilla (Guatemala) and Puerto Cortés (Honduras), boosting Central America’s access to U.S. supply chains.

TPS Fallout for Central Americans: U.S. courts cleared the way to end Temporary Protected Status for more countries, with Catholic bishops warning returns could be unsafe—Honduras is among those affected as protections wind down. Deportations to Third Countries: The Trump administration is reportedly deporting Mexican nationals to Guatemala and Honduras despite Mexico saying it will accept its citizens back, raising fresh diplomatic tension. Honduras in the Crosshairs of U.S. Enforcement: U.S. reporting also highlights ICE actions involving people from Honduras, including criminal cases and detainers tied to alleged crimes. U.S.-Backed Security Push in the Region: Washington is seeking to expand “ground” anti-drug operations with partners including Honduras, following earlier maritime strikes—critics warn of civilian harm. China Courts the Region: Xi Jinping told Ecuador’s president that China backs Latin America’s “independence and self-reliance,” as Honduras and other governments shift toward conservative alignments.

TPS Termination Hits Honduras: A U.S. judge cleared the final court block to end Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia, following Supreme Court limits on challenges—part of a broader rollback that already includes Honduras and other countries, leaving about 1 million people at deportation risk. Deportations to Honduras Reported: DHS officials told CBS the U.S. has been quietly deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras as a deterrent, despite Mexico saying it accepts returns of its own citizens. ICE Arrests Spotlight Honduras Cases: ICE announced “worst of the worst” arrests, including a Honduran man convicted of sexual assault of a child, as the U.S. pushes more removals. U.S. Military Push in the Region: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. plans to expand anti-drug operations from sea to land with partners including Honduras, raising concerns about civilian harm. China Courts Honduras-Linked Shift: Xi Jinping told Ecuador that China backs Latin America’s “independence and self-reliance,” amid regional rightward moves that include Honduras.

U.S.-Backed Security Push: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras have agreed to allow joint U.S. operations on land against criminal groups, extending the administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign from boat strikes to raids on territory—though Guatemala denies any deal. Defense Ties: Honduras and Israel signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to deepen defense cooperation, including border security, intelligence, training and equipment procurement. Immigration Pressure on Hondurans: The U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras and other countries, putting many beneficiaries at risk of losing work authorization and facing deportation. Energy Milestone: Honduras received its first LNG cargo under a Centrica Energy and Exodus agreement, starting ship-to-ship deliveries into Puerto Cortés to support the Brassavola power plant expansion and future gas storage. Community Health: Mercer On Mission brought medical care to hundreds in Guaimaca, Honduras, through a student-led global health program. Local Crime Case: A Shelbyville man was sentenced to five years in prison for a firearms conspiracy that included attempted smuggling of guns to Honduras.

U.S.-Honduras Security: Israel and Honduras signed a new defense Memorandum of Understanding, expanding cooperation on border security, intelligence, training, and equipment. U.S. Military Expansion: Washington is pushing to move its anti-drug campaign from sea strikes to possible joint land operations, with claims of agreements involving Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala—while Guatemala denies parts of the deal. Energy Milestone: Honduras received its first LNG cargo under a Centrica Energy and Exodus agreement, setting up natural gas imports for power generation and a new storage terminal. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. ended TPS for Somalia and South Sudan (and other countries), adding uncertainty for affected migrants; meanwhile, ICE continues high-profile arrests tied to criminal convictions. Regional Health Capacity: PAHO trained ICD-11 mortality coders across 18 countries, including Honduras, to strengthen national health data systems. Local Humanitarian Work: Mercer On Mission delivered medical care to hundreds in Guaimaca, Honduras, through a student-led global health program.

Energy Milestone: Honduras received its first LNG cargo under Centrica Energy’s long-term deal with Exodus, with ship-to-ship delivery into the FSU Bilbao Knutsen at Puerto Cortés—aimed at feeding the Brassavola power plant as it expands to 240 MW and building the base for a future Caribbean LNG terminal. Security Partnerships: Israel and Honduras signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to deepen defense cooperation, covering border security, intelligence, equipment procurement, internal security, and training. Regional Military Push: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Washington wants to extend its anti-drug campaign from sea to land, with joint operations involving partners including Honduras—raising fresh concerns about civilian impact. Migration Pressure on TPS: U.S. moves to end Temporary Protected Status continue to ripple across the region, with TPS terminations affecting multiple nationalities and renewing fears of deportation for families tied to Honduras and Central America.

Defense Cooperation: Israel and Honduras signed a memorandum to deepen defense ties, signaling closer security alignment. Regional Security: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington plans “land” strikes against drug traffickers in Latin America, expanding beyond maritime operations, as Colombia’s new government requested joint actions. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan (and also Cameroon and Ethiopia), raising deportation risks for thousands; the broader TPS rollback also flags Honduras among affected countries. Diplomatic Tension: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum accused the Trump administration of “meddling” after U.S. visa revocations tied to Morena figures. Local Impact: Honduran organizations demanded annulment of an agro-industrial law and called for stopping evictions in ancestral territories. Migration Human Cost: A Honduran mother was forced to self-deport with her U.S.-citizen daughter, highlighting family separation risks tied to U.S. enforcement.

TPS Rollback Hits Multiple Nationalities: The Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status for Somalia and South Sudan (with other African countries also affected), reshaping protections for people who had been allowed to live and work while return was deemed unsafe. Honduras in the Crosshairs: The wider TPS unwind also lists Honduras among countries facing termination-related uncertainty, keeping families on edge about deportation risk. US-Led Security Push in the Region: In Panama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed “ground” operations against drug traffickers with Latin American partners, expanding the Shield of the Americas/Americas Counter Cartel Coalition framework. Mexico-US Tensions: Claudia Sheinbaum lashed out at Washington over visa cancellations, calling it “meddling” in Mexican politics. Human Stories of Deportation: Reports highlight deportations that split families and send people to places they barely know, underscoring the human cost of enforcement. Local Watch: Honduran organizations demanded action over an agro-industrial law tied to evictions in ancestral territories.

US Immigration Policy: The U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepali citizens and also announced terminations for multiple countries including Honduras, raising fears of sudden deportations for people who have lived and worked in the U.S. under temporary protection. Central America Tax Push: El Salvador reported the highest tax burden in Central America in 2025, driven by stronger enforcement against evasion and smuggling, electronic invoicing, and efforts to bring small businesses and informal workers into the tax base—while Honduras saw a slight contraction. Regional Security Shift: In Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington plans “land” strikes against drug traffickers in Latin America, expanding beyond past attacks on suspected smuggling boats, as the “Shield of the Americas” coalition grows with Colombia and includes Honduras. Honduran Voices: Honduran organizations demanded annulment of an agro-industrial law and called for stopping evictions in ancestral territories. Remittances Watch: New York secured commitments from Western Union to keep remittance services available after its Intermex acquisition, a reminder of how cross-border money flows affect families across the region.

Shield of the Americas / U.S.-Led Security: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington plans “land” strikes against drug traffickers across Latin America, extending the earlier boat-bombing campaign that left at least 215 dead, while positioning the effort inside the expanding “Americas Counter Cartel Coalition” tied to SOUTHCOM. Regional Politics: Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum hit back at Trump over visa revocations, calling it meddling in Mexican politics. Honduras Land Rights: In Honduras, peasant, Indigenous and Garifuna groups rejected the newly approved agro-industrial law, alleging it favors corporate interests and has enabled forced evictions, including in San Juan (Garifuna) and El Tulito (Choluteca). Hondurasgate Media Leak: A new Hondurasgate audio leak claims former President Juan Orlando Hernández tried to buy major media outlets and that right-wing regimes paid to shape public opinion. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. ended Temporary Protected Status for Nepal and also announced TPS terminations including Honduras, raising fears for families already living in the U.S.

Agro-Industrial Law Backlash in Honduras: Peasant, Indigenous and Garifuna groups are rejecting Honduras’ June-approved Agroindustrial Law, saying it favors corporate interests over ancestral land rights, and they demand annulment of cases and evictions targeting land defenders; they cite forced expulsions in San Juan (Garifuna) and El Tulito (Choluteca) and warn companies like Próspera continue operating despite Supreme Court rulings. U.S.-Led Anti-Cartel Push in the Region: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met in Panama with Shield of the Americas partners, including Honduras, to expand “ground” operations against drug traffickers, with talk of joint missions and a tougher posture toward cartel networks. Regional Political Tensions: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum sharply criticized U.S. “meddling” after visa revocations tied to Morena figures, underscoring rising friction over Washington’s influence in Latin American politics. Hondurasgate Media Claims: New leaked audio from the Hondurasgate platform alleges former President Juan Orlando Hernández tried to buy major media outlets and that right-wing regimes paid to shape public opinion.

Anti-Corruption Push in Honduras: President Nasry “Tito” Asfura says he will send a draft Anti-Corruption Law to Congress, built with the private sector and the judiciary, aiming to strengthen transparency and curb impunity while respecting the independence of state branches and oversight bodies. Land Rights vs. Agro-Industrial Law: Peasant, Indigenous, and Garifuna groups reject Honduras’ agro-industrial law, saying it favors corporate interests over ancestral land rights; they demand annulment of criminal cases and stop evictions, citing forced expulsions in Garifuna and other communities. U.S. Military Pressure on Cartels Reaches the Region: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. plans “land” attacks against drug traffickers in Latin America, expanding beyond maritime strikes, and highlights Honduras and Colombia as partners in joint operations under a new anti-cartel coalition. Shield of the Americas Expands: Colombia joins the U.S.-led coalition targeting cartels, as the group grows across the hemisphere. Western Union Deal in New York (Honduran diaspora angle): New York officials say Western Union will keep remittance services and cap fee increases for three years after acquiring Intermex, aiming to protect access for communities relying on money transfers.

Anti-Corruption Push in Honduras: President Nasry “Tito” Asfura says he will send a draft Anti-Corruption Law to Parliament, built with the private sector, judiciary, and Public Ministry, aiming to strengthen transparency and curb impunity. Land Rights Under Fire: Peasant, indigenous, and Garifuna groups reject Honduras’ agro-industrial law, saying it favors corporate interests and has enabled forced evictions in ancestral territories, including cases in San Juan and El Tulito. Regional Security Moves: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. plans “ground” attacks against drug traffickers across Latin America, and Colombia has joined the “Shield of the Americas” coalition, expanding joint operations. ICC Pressure: Hegseth also urged coalition members to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, warning it could investigate U.S. and partner military actions in the region. Education Leadership in Honduras: A Honduran-born educator starts his first year as superintendent in Champaign Unit 4, highlighting a focus on student achievement, teacher support, and family ties.

Anti-Corruption Push: Honduras President Nasry “Tito” Asfura says he will send a draft Anti-Corruption Law to Congress, built with the private sector, the judiciary, and the Public Ministry, aiming to strengthen transparency and curb impunity while protecting the independence of state branches and oversight bodies. Regional Security Politics: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged members of a Western Hemisphere anti-cartel coalition to reject the International Criminal Court, warning it could investigate U.S. military actions in Latin America, as Colombia joins the coalition. Immigration Pressure in the Region: U.S. DHS/ICE deportation operations continue to target people labeled “criminal illegal aliens,” including a case naming a Honduran gang member deported after serious convictions. Honduras Tragedy: Miss Universe hopeful Wualys Fuentes Aquino was found dead in Tegucigalpa, with authorities and forensic teams investigating possible causes. Business & Innovation: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, including Harvverse from Honduras.

ICC vs. U.S. anti-cartel push: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the International Criminal Court could investigate U.S. strikes in Latin America, as Colombia prepares to join the “Shield of the Americas” coalition targeting drug cartels. Regional security messaging: SOUTHCOM urged partners to “fight against the enemy” and attack drug trafficking networks, signaling a tougher posture across the isthmus. Honduras in the spotlight: A week of coverage also flags Honduras as part of the broader “hybrid war” debate over foreign interference and security cooperation. U.S. immigration shock hitting Hondurans: The Trump administration moves to end Temporary Protected Status for multiple countries, with Hondurans among the largest groups affected, raising fears of sudden deportations. Earthquake aid in Central America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and El Salvador backed Colombia after a 7.4 quake left hundreds dead and thousands missing. Local human interest: Rights groups urge action for Garifuna land defenders in Honduras, while a Honduran model, Wualys Aquino, was reported found dead in Tegucigalpa. Agrifood innovation: IICA selected 15 AgTech startups for Digital Agriculture Week in Costa Rica, including Harvverse from Honduras.

Honduras Biodiversity Update: Honduras has just completed its most comprehensive mammal inventory in nearly three decades, confirming 227 native species and projecting up to 258 total, a major baseline for conservation planning. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rican Lina Ajoy assumed the SICA secretary general role, aiming to restart high-level political dialogue and rebuild consensus after a long vacancy and internal tensions. Central America Security & Trade: Honduras’ business services push got a boost as ibex CEO Bob Dechant met President Nasry Asfura to expand nearshore BPO work, with plans to hire 400 new employees in Tegucigalpa by year-end. Human Stories: A Honduran Miss Universe hopeful, Wualys Fuentes Aquino, was found dead in Tegucigalpa, with authorities investigating possible causes. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring the pressure on the region’s food, health, and disaster planning.