AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Climate Support: El Salvador’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is delivering subsistence aid to farming families in the eastern and central-paracentral areas hit by dry weather, aiming to protect livelihoods and keep food production steady. Coffee Industry: The Instituto Salvadoreño del Café (ISC) announced the 2nd National Coffee Tasters Championship for October 2026, with registration due by Sept. 11. Public Transport Upgrade: Work on San Salvador’s Mejicanos-to-downtown cable car is moving into a new phase, with key components and tower assembly planned for September as civil works near 80% completion. Diaspora Voting Access: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) confirmed 92 overseas voting centers for 2027, with 58.5% in the U.S., including 10 in California. Tourism Jobs: La Libertad Sur launched a funded “Embajadores y Guías Turísticos” program plus coffee training to prepare locals for tourism and barista roles. International Spotlight on Salvadorans: In the U.S., Virginia police arrested 19-year-old Alexis Antonio Cedillos-Campos, identified by DHS as from El Salvador, in the stabbing death of 42-year-old Carmen Lizet Puch.

El Salvador-US Migration Fallout: A Salvadoran man, Alexis Antonio Cedillos-Campos, was arrested in Virginia for the brutal stabbing death of 42-year-old Carmen Lizet Puch, with DHS saying he was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration after an earlier border crossing. Third-Country Deportations: Liberia agreed to take up to 1,200 people deported from the U.S. over a year, with an initial group of 20 expected to arrive Thursday; the deal is also tied to the wider debate over sending Salvadoran deportation cases to third countries. Legal Fight Over a Wrongful Deportation: The U.S. Justice Department is appealing to revive human-smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, arguing a judge wrongly dismissed the case after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Local El Salvador Infrastructure & Tech: El Salvador began a highway lighting push covering more than 100 kilometers, and is also gearing up for a November tech showcase centered on Bitcoin Histórico plus AI and circular-economy events.

DOJ vs. “Maryland man” case: The U.S. Justice Department is appealing a judge’s May dismissal of human-smuggling charges against Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia, arguing the prosecution wasn’t “vindictive” after his mistaken deportation to El Salvador. Road safety push: El Salvador has started a highway lighting rollout on the Carretera de Oro and other major corridors, adding flag-colored poles across more than 100 km to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Bitcoin + AI calendar: San Salvador is set to host Bitcoin Histórico (Nov. 11–12) plus EmTech AI LatAm (Nov. 18–19) and a Bitcoin Circular Economies Summit (Nov. 19–20). Security milestones: El Salvador’s homicide rate reportedly plunged to 1.9 per 100,000 in 2024, and a Latinobarómetro 2024 survey says Salvadorans show the highest police trust in Latin America. Exports + tourism: Ron Cihuatán is expanding in South Korea, and El Salvador is positioning itself as an investment hub through digital assets, innovation, and Surf City.

TPS Update for Employers and Families: USCIS says Somalia TPS termination is moving forward after a judge lifted a stay; Somalia EADs are no longer valid and employers must reverify work authorization, while Sudan and Ukraine TPS work authorization remains extended through Oct. 19, 2026 with unclear next steps. US Court Fight Tied to El Salvador Deportation Case: The DOJ is appealing a Tennessee judge’s May dismissal of human smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, arguing the prosecution was based on legitimate grounds—not “vindictive” retaliation—after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and later returned. El Salvador in the Spotlight Abroad: A new book, “The Water Defenders,” highlights San Isidro activists who fought a multinational mining company over water rights. Local Business/Tech Signals: EGT expanded in El Salvador with a new Imperius Casino installation in San Miguel. Sports: Uriel Canjura Artiga, El Salvador’s badminton hopeful, made his mark at the BWF World Championships in India.

El Salvador Tech & Infrastructure: El Salvador’s National AI Agency (ANIA) is rolling out a four-unit NVIDIA DGX Spark cluster, aiming to give local researchers and developers high-performance computing for AI work without relying as much on outside infrastructure. Construction Boom Watch: Cement imports hit a 30-year high, with first-half 2026 hydraulic cement and clinker imports rising 39% year over year, while construction lending also surged as developers increasingly use digital asset tokenization alongside bank credit. Roads & Logistics: The Los Chorros mega-project on the Pan-American Highway is at about 60% completion, with a planned full closure this weekend for rock blasting tied to slope stabilization and the Francisco Morazán Viaduct works. Sports Spotlight: Uriel Francisco Canjura Artiga became El Salvador’s latest badminton story at the BWF World Championships in India, highlighting how the sport is still growing back home. Legal/Immigration (U.S.-El Salvador link): The U.S. Justice Department is asking an appeals court to revive the human smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported to El Salvador before being returned to the U.S. for prosecution.

Renewable Energy Rollout: El Salvador has started implementing its new regulatory framework for solar self-consumption, with DGEHM procedures for authorizing providers and approving solar photovoltaic systems, including rules for grid connection, operation, maintenance, and even virtual power plants. Renewed Public Safety Culture: A traveling mural festival in towns like Concepción de Ataco shows artists “winning back the walls” from gangs after the security crackdown since 2022, with more than 200 murals created and a calmer atmosphere for public expression. Regional Health Coding: PAHO and Mexico’s ICD-11 training program wrapped up a course that built mortality-coding capacity across 18 countries, including El Salvador, to support ICD-11 adoption in national health systems. Migration Policy Shock (US): New reporting highlights how TPS changes are hitting Central American and Haitian communities in the US, with officials warning abrupt terminations could disrupt essential services. ICE Crackdown (US): ICE announced weekend arrests of “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens, including an El Salvadoran convicted of child-related offenses. Trade & Investment Watch: Turkey’s Yilport secured a major 50-year concession to modernize and operate El Salvador’s Acajutla and La Unión ports, signaling deeper regional logistics ambitions.

Street Art Revival: In Concepción de Ataco, artists behind the Pigmen Trip festival say El Salvador’s gang crackdown has made it safer to paint again—more than 200 murals since the traveling project began, with creators reclaiming walls once used to mark territory. Crypto Regulation Watch: Galaxy Digital says the CLARITY Act’s odds of passing in 2026 have fallen to 10%, with the Senate only weeks left to act; if it fails, the SEC and CFTC may move ahead with their own crypto rules. Local Tourism Push: Tahmek is gearing up for the 8th International Maya Paper Balloon Festival (Aug. 22–23), expecting up to 20,000 visitors and waiving booth fees to keep costs down for local vendors. El Salvador in the Global Spotlight: Tether says KPMG has completed its long-awaited full audit of the company based in El Salvador, including a physical count of gold reserves. Regional Security Context: Coverage also highlights Colombia’s earthquake aftermath and wider political shifts in Latin America’s “new right,” with El Salvador frequently referenced as a model in tough-on-crime debates.

ICE Deportation Pipeline Scrutiny: A new report on the Rappahannock Regional Jail in Virginia says hundreds held by ICE were deported to countries including El Salvador, with detainees describing harsh conditions—while critics argue the coverage soft-pedals the core issue: they were detained because they were in the U.S. illegally. Colombia–U.S. Tariff Relief Push: Colombia’s new President Abelardo de la Espriella asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend higher U.S. tariffs on Colombian goods as the country rebuilds after a deadly 7.4 earthquake. El Salvador in the Spotlight of Regional Security: The same quake response story notes El Salvador is among the countries requested for rescue help, underscoring how the region’s disaster response and security cooperation are now tightly linked. Tether Audit Boosts El Salvador’s Crypto Image: Tether says KPMG completed its first full audit of its 2025 statements, with the stablecoin firm based in El Salvador—another signal that the country’s crypto experiment keeps drawing global attention. Ecuador Fishermen Caught Between Cartels and Strikes: Reuters reports fishermen in Ecuador’s Manabí province face cartel extortion and also fear U.S. airstrikes at sea, highlighting the wider Central America–Caribbean drug and maritime security pressures.

Trade Deal: Belize and El Salvador signed a Partial Scope Agreement after nearly three years of talks, giving selected Belizean goods preferential access to the Salvadoran market and aiming to boost investment and reduce trade barriers. Security & Diplomacy: El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly president Ernesto Castro will lead a delegation to visit China from Aug. 17–22, signaling continued diplomatic outreach. Economy & Governance: El Salvador continues to position itself as a regional growth and innovation hub, including moves to streamline approvals with AI for environmental assessments and water management, and efforts to strengthen tax collection and public services. Regional Spotlight: Colombia’s earthquake response remains in focus as the death toll climbs and rescue hopes narrow, while Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella asks Trump to suspend tariffs to ease pressure on businesses hit by the disaster. Healthcare Expansion: Mexican hospital chain 50 Doctors says it is preparing to expand into El Salvador, bringing its medical model and technology to the local market.

Colombia Quake Aid & Rescue: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake toll climbed to 288 dead, with 202 still missing, as rescue teams push on despite shrinking chances of finding survivors. El Salvador-Linked Response: El Salvador is among the countries offering help, and Pope Leo XIV also sent €100,000 for relief to quake-hit dioceses. Regional Security: El Salvador is strengthening cross-border anti-crime coordination through the Americas Coalition Against Cartels (A3C) in Panama, with officials stressing intelligence sharing and joint action. Trade Boost: Belize and El Salvador signed a Partial Scope Agreement after nearly three years, giving selected Belizean goods preferential access to the Salvadoran market. Healthcare Expansion: Mexico’s 50 Doctors says it plans to expand into El Salvador, pitching new infrastructure and specialized services to President Nayib Bukele. Immigration Rights Watch: A U.S. case involving a Salvadoran detainee’s death in ICE custody is driving new legislation that would require ICE to notify families about deaths and medical emergencies.

Trade & Investment: Belize and El Salvador signed a Partial Scope Agreement on Aug. 13 after nearly three years of talks, giving selected Belizean goods preferential access to the Salvadoran market and setting up a framework to reduce tariffs and barriers. Security Cooperation: El Salvador is pushing deeper regional coordination against organized crime through the Americas Coalition Against Cartels (A3C) in Panama, with Justice and Defense officials exchanging strategies and backing intelligence sharing. Healthcare Links: Nayib Bukele met with Mexico’s 50 Doctors and Materno Infantil 50 Doctors as the group prepares to expand its hospital model into El Salvador. Economy & Infrastructure: El Salvador reported 5.39% economic growth in May, led by construction, while the new Usulután Wholesale Market opens with modern cold-storage and logistics for food distribution. Digital Governance: The environment ministry unveiled SIMACC, using AI and new tools to streamline environmental assessments and water/climate monitoring. Regional Context: Colombia’s 7.4 quake response continues amid controversy over foreign rescue teams as the death toll climbs.

Colombia Quake Response: After the 72-hour survival window closed, Colombia’s disaster agency says it will keep searching for hundreds still missing following the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, with the death toll reported around 285 and thousands injured. Aid Politics & Coordination: Reports say Colombia initially limited specialized foreign rescue teams, then later accepted help from countries including the US, El Salvador, Israel and Ecuador—while Israel also sends an “Alliance of Friends” rescue delegation to Cali. El Salvador’s Role: El Salvador is named among the countries providing rescue support and humanitarian shipments as the new government faces pressure over reconstruction and delays. Pope Leo XIV Relief: The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV sent €100,000 for Colombia’s earthquake relief. Local Watch: El Salvador unveils SIMACC, an AI-backed environmental monitoring and assessment system, and opens a modernized Usulután wholesale market to boost food distribution. Tourism & Economy: Corsatur expects 12 cruise ships in the 2026–27 season, and El Salvador reports the highest Central America tax burden in 2025 (22.1% of GDP) driven by enforcement and e-invoicing.

Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Rescuers in Cali and across western Colombia kept searching after the 7.4 quake, but the “survival window” is closing. Colombia’s disaster agency says the toll is now 273 dead, 3,824 injured, and 377 missing, with 12,584 homes destroyed and 74,873 damaged. President Abelardo de la Espriella says the priority is finding the missing as families wait in shelters. Aid Dispute: Mexico says Colombia blocked a certified Mexican rescue brigade, while Colombia says it accepted 58.5 tons of Mexican aid and denies political bias. Regional Security & Cooperation: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Colombia into the “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition during meetings in Panama, alongside PANAMAX 2026 canal-defense drills. Salvadoran Policy at Home: El Salvador advanced reciprocal driver’s license rules with Italy and opened procedures for residential solar self-consumption, plus expanded women’s health services via mobile units in 14 eastern districts. Diaspora Pressure: The U.S. decision ending TPS for Salvadorans on Sept. 9 puts tens of thousands at risk of deportation.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella declared an economic emergency after the Aug. 10, 7.4 quake, with the death toll rising to 265 and nearly 500 still missing as rescue teams push toward the end of the 72-hour survival window. Humanitarian Aid & Politics: Colombia says it didn’t reject help, but controversy grew over which foreign rescue teams were allowed to operate; Mexico’s Sheinbaum said Colombia didn’t approve Mexican Army rescuers, while El Salvador is cited as sending 100 tons of aid and receiving Vatican support. Regional Security Cooperation: Separate from the quake, Colombia authorized joint anti-drug operations with the U.S. to target narco-terrorism, expanding Washington’s cartel crackdown in Latin America. El Salvador in the News: A separate 5.5 earthquake was recorded off El Salvador’s coast near Chirilagua, with no immediate damage reported. Local Social Reintegration: El Salvador launched the “Dicha Grande” project, distributing food and supporting restorative community work for people under judicial supervision.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake rescue effort is entering its “final phase” as the 72-hour survival window nears its end, with the death toll now at 265 and nearly 500 still missing; President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an economic emergency to fund reconstruction and subsidies while crews keep digging in Cali, Pereira, and other hardest-hit areas. Aid Coordination Clash: The new government has faced criticism over how it handled international help, including claims of delays or limits on foreign rescue teams, even as it insists no country was excluded and that flights and donations are arriving. El Salvador Steps In: El Salvador continues backing Colombia with humanitarian airlifts, including a second shipment of 50 tons, after earlier pledges of 100 tons total. El Salvador Seismic Update: A separate 5.5 earthquake struck off El Salvador’s coast near Chirilagua, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Security & Diplomacy: El Salvador also pushed deeper legal cooperation abroad via a World Jurist Association visit, while the U.S. and Colombia moved toward joint anti-drug operations.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll has climbed to 239, with 3,755 injured and 287 missing, as rescue teams race to beat the fading odds of finding survivors. Regional Solidarity: El Salvador is sending humanitarian aid to Colombia—Bukele says the first plane is already en route with 51 tons, part of a 100-ton effort—while other countries offer support. Aid Coordination Tensions: Reports say Colombia’s new government has delayed or declined some foreign rescue personnel despite offers, leaving many teams on standby. TPS Pressure on Salvadorans in the U.S.: In Los Angeles, Salvadorans are bracing for Temporary Protected Status to end, with fears of sudden loss of status and detention as the September 9 deadline nears. El Salvador Tech & Business: Siget granted Tigo extra mobile spectrum for 60 days, and Aillio opened a Latin America showroom in San Salvador to expand coffee equipment sales and service. El Salvador Crypto Milestone: El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment turns 5 years old, with debate over who benefited and what it changed.