AGP Executive Report

State of Exception Extended: El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly approved a 30-day extension of the state of exception, suspending constitutional guarantees until Oct. 27, despite rights groups warning of abuses and extrajudicial killings. Regional Anti-Crime Push (“Shield of the Americas”): El Salvador joined the U.S.-led coalition with 13 other governments to coordinate sanctions against 24 narco-terrorist organizations, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. Health Upgrade: The Ministry of Health inaugurated a $12.6M Specialized Center for Non-Communicable Diseases (CENT) in San Salvador to ease pressure on hospitals and improve care for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Tourism for Small Businesses: The government launched Mype Turística 2026, training micro and small tourism firms with management tools, digital transformation, and AI. Culture & Economy: Lawmakers passed a five-year income tax exemption for local artists and creative businesses. Historic Center Spotlight: A new Francisco Morazán mausoleum opens Sept. 24 beside the National Palace, adding another major heritage stop.

Shield of the Americas: El Salvador joined the US-led “Shield of the Americas” in New York, backing a joint communiqué built on economic, security, and multilateral coordination to hit narco-terrorism and transnational crime, with member states including the US and 14 others. Sanctions push: Under the coalition’s plan, countries say they will pursue asset freezes, visa and immigration restrictions, and criminal liability for people who knowingly provide support to targeted groups, including MS-13 and other major networks. Local policy: El Salvador’s Ministry of Education opened applications for an In-Person Tutor Program for language, math, and natural sciences, inviting national and international professionals to expand classroom support. Sports & infrastructure: Tennis player Marcelo Arévalo toured El Salvador’s new national stadium under Chinese support, as construction nears key finishing stages. Health: El Salvador is also expanding pediatric care, including clubfoot surgeries at Benjamín Bloom Hospital.

Shield of the Americas: President Trump pushed UNGA allies to target 24 “narco-terrorist” groups with asset freezes and visa/immigration restrictions, with El Salvador among the signatories of the coalition’s sanctions pledge. Tourism push: El Salvador will host World Tourism Day 2026 (Sept. 25–27), with UN Tourism highlighting the country as a top destination and a “Digital Agenda and AI” theme for the future of travel. Investment & construction: El Salvador’s land and construction reforms have unlocked over $11.8B in approved projects since May 2025, cutting permit steps sharply; meanwhile, Progressus broke ground on the $38M “Reforma 150” mixed-use tower in San Salvador. Health for kids: The Benjamín Bloom Hospital is running a pediatric orthopedic campaign for clubfoot surgeries, backed by international and local partners. Agriculture support: MAG says it’s boosting livestock producers with vaccines, deworming, vitamins, and subsidized feed amid adverse weather. Sports: El Salvador is set for CONCACAF Nations League group play, with matchups including Martinique and Guatemala.

Concacaf Spotlight: El Salvador sits 10th in the latest CONCACAF men’s power rankings heading into Nations League play, with La Selecta set for matches vs. Martinique and Jamaica after a pre-World Cup draw with Qatar. US–El Salvador Deportation Fallout: A new report describes how a secret US deal helped funnel deportees into El Salvador’s prison system, with families saying loved ones were held for months without clear legal process. Local Industry Under Pressure: El Salvador’s municipal bakery unit says it’s keeping production going by leaning on local supply chains and adjusting ingredients amid sugar shortages and unreliable electricity. Aviation & Jobs: El Salvador’s civil aviation growth is driving demand for pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance technicians, with Aeroman highlighted as a key employer. New Rules for Builders: A Special Law on Professional Responsibility took effect for construction and urban planning, adding registration and accountability for professionals. Community & Mobility: San Salvador’s PedaleadaSV returns to the Historic Center, promoting alternative transport and community recreation, with Dani Alves among the featured guests. HIV Prevention Access: PAHO says lenacapavir for long-acting HIV prevention will be available in El Salvador through regional procurement channels.

FMLN 2027 Ticket Confirmed: El Salvador’s FMLN ratified its presidential formula for the 2027 elections: social leader Rafael Aguirre and nursing professional Madaí Santos, with the campaign set to run from Oct. 27, 2026 to Feb. 24, 2027 under the new simultaneous election calendar. Urban Growth Push: OPAMSS mapped new active growth corridors around San Salvador, targeting a $9B approved investment goal by year-end through 715 private projects, including a La Libertad axis and a logistics-focused San Salvador West cluster. Creative Exports Update: El Salvador’s creative economy exported $93.61M in Jan–Jul 2026, led by industrial design and print media, while imports rose to $246.95M. Relocation Index: Rumavi ranks El Salvador 70th globally in its 2026 relocation index, highlighting strong property rights and tax perks, but weaker education and startup ecosystem scores. Immigration Fallout in the US: A US court freed a Salvadoran MS-13 member after an immigration deportation order, reigniting debate over deportation and detention outcomes. Sports & Culture: El Salvador’s tourism and training momentum continues in coverage, while international stories spotlight Salvadoran-linked events and regional Hispanic Heritage celebrations.

ICE & Deportations: A Salvadoran man, Diego Armando López Castro, was arrested in Alexandria, Virginia, and remains in ICE custody while facing removal tied to an El Salvador warrant alleging aggravated rape of a 13-year-old. Court Watch (US immigration): A US appeals court ruled Trump’s “third-country” deportation process is unlawful unless DHS gives people effective notice and a real chance to raise fears of persecution or torture. Public Safety & Health: In Guantánamo, Cuba, authorities reported 23 fever cases and warned about dengue risk tied to standing water and illegal dumping; meanwhile, bread production is being reorganized after officials said power outages were being used as an excuse. El Salvador Tourism & Skills: El Salvador’s tourism continues to surge, with 2026 visitor growth cited at +37%, while the Gastro-Lab Surf City program expands advanced gastronomy training for youth in La Libertad. Local Economy (Coffee): Guantánamo’s 2026–2027 coffee harvest is underway, with officials pushing for an “efficient” harvest after last season’s very low yield.

Tourism & Skills Push: El Salvador’s visitor growth hit a historic 37% jump in 2026, and the government is tying that momentum to workforce training through the Gastro-Lab Surf City program, including advanced gastronomy sessions for coastal youth. Security Debate Abroad: El Salvador’s reported homicide drop is fueling debate in Belize over whether Bukele-era tactics could be copied—while critics point to human-rights concerns tied to the state of emergency. El Niño Health Warning: PAHO says El Niño is strengthening with a high chance of “very strong” intensity by late 2026/early 2027, already linked to drought, food insecurity, dengue risks, wildfires, and flooding across the Americas. ICE & Salvadoran Cases: ICE arrested a Salvadoran man in Alexandria wanted for the rape of a 13-year-old, and also took a Salvadoran fugitive into custody in Massachusetts wanted for aggravated homicide. Local Spotlight: Dani Alves is set to join El Salvador’s Sunday Pedaleada in San Salvador, starting at 6:00 a.m. at Plaza Gerardo Barrios. International Travel Rule: The UK published a 73-country list whose nationals—including El Salvador—need an airport transit visa for 2026.

Tourism Boost: El Salvador is being cited as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination, with UNWTO-linked figures showing a 37% jump in international visitors from 2025 to 2026. Workforce Training: The Bukele administration is expanding the Gastro-Lab Surf City program, bringing international chefs to train students in advanced gastronomy for hospitality jobs along the coast. Sports & Culture: Former FC Barcelona star Dani Alves is set to join El Salvador’s Sunday cycling celebration in San Salvador’s Historic Center, starting at 6:00 a.m. Coffee Update: In Guantánamo, rain and heat are accelerating the 2026–2027 coffee harvest ripening, with officials tracking collection to avoid losses and meet a target of 294,568 cans. Weather & Food Security: A “super El Niño” is intensifying and could push hundreds of thousands in El Salvador toward emergency food needs as drought risk rises. Global Travel Perk: The U.S. lists El Salvador among countries whose citizens can use Global Entry for faster airport immigration clearance.

Tourism & Skills: El Salvador is leaning hard into tourism growth, with UNWTO-cited data showing a 37% visitor increase in 2026, while the Bukele government expands the Gastro-Lab Surf City program—adding advanced gastronomy training for coastal youth and building a bigger hospitality workforce. Local Spotlight: Former FC Barcelona star Dani Alves will join El Salvador’s MOPT “Pedaleada” cycling event in San Salvador on Sept. 20, starting at 6 a.m. at Plaza Gerardo Barrios. Education Tech: Los Toles School in Ahuachapán has started using new AI-supported learning tools and digital tutors as part of the country’s push to modernize public education. Coffee Watch: Coffee harvest conditions are improving as rain and heat accelerate ripening in Guantánamo, with producers urged to collect on time to avoid losses. Travel Access (US): The US added El Salvador to its Global Entry fast-track list, allowing eligible travelers quicker airport immigration clearance. Regional Risk: A Reuters report warns a “super” El Niño could push 700,000 people in El Salvador toward emergency food needs.

Food Security Warning: The International Rescue Committee says a “super” El Niño could push 700,000 people in El Salvador into emergency need as drought and poor rains drive up food, fuel, and fertilizer costs. Tourism Boost: UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer ranks El Salvador among the world’s top-performing destinations in 2026, citing a 37% jump in international arrivals in the first half of the year. Mobility Upgrade: France’s trade minister toured El Salvador’s Aerocable in Mejicanos, praising the cable car as a major step to cut commute times and ease traffic. Business & Travel Deals: El Salvador Travel Market 2026 wrapped in San Salvador with 988 business meetings and 100 international buyers, aiming to turn tourism interest into new export and investment opportunities. Culture & Community: A Lawrence filmmaker is using a new documentary to explore connections between Lawrence and El Salvador, while El Salvador’s presence also shows up in international cultural events like a Bogota food festival featuring pupusas. Sports: El Salvador pulled off a major upset over Cuba at the Chess Olympiad, winning 2.5–1.5.

El Niño Food Shock: The IRC warns a historic super El Niño could rapidly worsen food security in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, with “poor rains” and higher costs pushing up to 700,000 people in El Salvador toward emergency needs. Tourism Boom: UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer ranks El Salvador among the world’s top-performing destinations in 2026, citing a 37% jump in international arrivals in the first half and 2.49 million visitors (Jan–Jun). Mobility Upgrade: French officials toured El Salvador’s Aerocable in Mejicanos, praising the project’s progress as a major boost to urban mobility and quality of life. Trade & Investment: El Salvador Travel Market 2026 wrapped in San Salvador with 988 business meetings and 100 international buyers, while a French delegation highlighted new investment interest. Energy Deal: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy will sell its indirect stake in the San Isidro solar plant to Potenza Holdings for about $3.27 million, with closing expected by early 2027. Immigration Watch: USCIS kept El Salvador TPS protections for now, but employers are still waiting on clear details like a new end date and updated I-9 guidance.

Security Recognition: Spain’s Noble Order of the Gran Cruz Azul de Emergencias announced major international honors for El Salvador’s Justice and Public Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro and the National Civil Police, with ceremonies tied to Independence Day celebrations. French Investment Push: France’s trade minister Nicolas Forissier is visiting El Salvador with business leaders to explore new deals, building on growing French interest in sectors like construction and tourism. Aviation & Connectivity: El Salvador is positioning its aviation system as a regional benchmark, citing upgraded standards, more airlines and aerodromes, and expanded air agreements to boost Central American connectivity. Food Security Plan: Ahuachapán is being framed as a “primary granary” as MAG reports land evaluations and irrigation-backed production targets for basic grains, while the east faces El Niño-driven disruptions. Energy Deal: MPC Caribbean Clean Energy named Potenza Holdings as the buyer for its San Isidro solar farm for $3.27 million, with closing expected by early 2027. Sports Spotlight: El Salvador opened the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad with a surprise 2.5–1.5 win over Cuba, and the country is also set to appear in regional football Nations League fixtures. US Immigration Fallout: Multiple reports highlight deportation actions involving Salvadorans and ongoing legal fights over detention guarantees after unlawful removals.

TPS Uncertainty for Salvadorans: DHS says Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status will keep work authorization “for now,” but advocates warn the protections remain in limbo as deadlines pass and no clear extension is announced. U.S. Drug Policy Designations: President Trump submitted a new presidential determination naming 23 major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries for FY2027, including El Salvador, and also removed Venezuela from the “failed” drug list for the first time in over 20 years. El Niño Food and Water Pressure in Central America: Reports describe the Dry Corridor’s worsening drought—dead livestock, failed crops, and rising water shortages—linked to El Niño, with El Salvador among the hardest-hit areas. El Salvador’s Infrastructure and Trade Moves: Coverage highlights Acajutla port improvements cutting vessel wait times and ongoing modernization efforts, alongside new tourism and export momentum. Sports: Concacaf Central American Cup action saw Alianza and Motagua play to a goalless draw in the second leg, with Motagua advancing on aggregate.

Drug Policy & Diplomacy: The U.S. removed Venezuela from its “failed” drug-trafficking list for the first time in over 20 years, citing cooperation with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, while keeping 23 countries on the major drug transit/production list that still includes El Salvador. El Niño Food Crisis: El Niño is worsening drought across Central America’s Dry Corridor, with Guatemala announcing food aid for over a million families and warnings that up to 16 million people could face food insecurity. El Salvador Logistics & Trade: At Acajutla, vessel waiting times reportedly fell from about 12 days (2025) to around 24 hours (2026) after infrastructure and tech upgrades, including a push toward a Maritime Single Window. Security Ally Spotlight: A U.S. FY2027 determination praised El Salvador as a key Western Hemisphere anti-narcoterrorism ally, highlighting major 2026 cocaine seizures. Workforce & Energy Moves: UNDP and INCAF are strengthening vocational training for “jobs of the future,” while El Salvador is advancing nuclear energy planning with IAEA support. Telecom Deal: Digicel agreed to sell its El Salvador business as it refocuses on the Caribbean, with closing expected in the first half of 2027.

US–El Salvador Drug Watch: President Trump’s FY27 list of “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing” countries keeps El Salvador under scrutiny, while also removing Venezuela from the “failed demonstrably” blacklist—Trump cites renewed security cooperation in Caracas. Education & Future: A PISA 2025 report says Latin America’s learning outcomes keep sliding, with many 15-year-olds far below minimum reading and math expectations—raising pressure on school quality. El Niño Hits Home: Central America’s Dry Corridor is facing deeper food and water shortages as El Niño worsens drought, forcing families in El Salvador and neighbors to ration meals and sell livestock. Independence Day Cleanup: El Salvador deployed 300 inmates from Plan Cero Ocio to clean and maintain streets after Independence Day festivities. TPS Uncertainty for Salvadorans: In Maryland, TPS-linked school staff were reinstated but warned it could be temporary as federal guidance keeps shifting. Local Culture: Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias parade drew crowds with Latin American music, dress, and heritage displays.

El Niño Disaster Watch: A punishing drought tied to El Niño is killing livestock, leaving barren fields, and driving water shortages across the Central American Dry Corridor, including El Salvador, as families cut meals and face record heat. Independence Day, Rural Focus: For El Salvador’s 205th Independence Day, President Nayib Bukele and the First Lady inaugurated a renovated school in Los Toles, Ahuachapán—plus a new road connection that grew from an 8-kilometer project to more than 15 km, improving access for students and farmers. Early Childhood Push: Bukele used the school visit to stress early childhood education with upgraded classrooms, play areas, cafeterias, and plans for tech like internet, computers, and AI tutors. U.S.-El Salvador Security Ties: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly highlighted stronger U.S.-El Salvador cooperation under the Trump-Bukele relationship, framing it around security and migration. Hispanic Heritage Month: The U.S. marks Sept. 15–Oct. 15, with Sept. 15 also tied to Central American independence dates including El Salvador.