AGP Executive Report

Honduras–Ukraine Defense: President Nasri Asfura says Honduras will buy Ukrainian drones to fight drug trafficking and bolster border security, as Kyiv expands its drone clout after Russia’s invasion. Immigration Policy Watch: A new U.S. Supreme Court fight over birthright citizenship is heating up, with Mexico also granting citizenship to children born on its soil—highlighting that Honduras and other countries already follow similar rules. World Cup Spotlight (Honduran Referee): In England vs. Ghana, Honduran referee Said Martínez made World Cup history as lead official, while Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz complained VAR “went for a coffee” after penalty and red-card appeals were missed in the 0-0 draw. Regional Democracy: The U.S. and multiple countries, including Honduras, warned Bolivia’s unrest poses a “grave threat” to constitutional order and democratic stability. Business/Jobs (Latin America): A staffing report says sales roles are the top driver of nearshore hiring demand in Latin America, with SDR/BDR positions leading placements.

Security & Tech: Honduras President Nasri Asfura says the country will buy Ukrainian drones to monitor remote border areas and help fight drug trafficking and organized crime, after talks with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Sports & Pride: A Honduran referee, Said Martínez, makes World Cup history by leading England vs. Ghana, and Honduras-linked coverage highlights the match’s Group L stakes. Regional Politics: The OAS renewed support for democracy-focused governance across Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Bolivia, while condemning authoritarian practices and rights abuses. Health & Agriculture: Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife may be linked to New World screwworm spread, as investigators still try to pinpoint how the pest entered. Immigration & Human Impact: A report highlights the ongoing toll of border militarization and ICE actions, including cases involving Hondurans. Business & Ethics: A Texas-based company is set to offer an unapproved anti-aging gene therapy in countries including Honduras, drawing warnings from medical ethicists.

Border Security Push: Honduras’ President Nasri Asfura says the country will buy Ukrainian-made drones to monitor remote border areas and help fight organized crime, after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Public Safety & Justice: The U.S. is increasing rewards tied to MS-13 leaders in Honduras, with offers totaling up to $15 million for information leading to arrests or convictions. Healthcare & Immigration Human Impact: A Honduran nurse’s story highlights how immigration status can abruptly cut off care work, leaving patients and families scrambling. Controversial Longevity Claim: A gene therapy promising anti-aging effects is set to be sold in Honduras (and other countries) despite lacking rigorous clinical trials and major regulator approval. Politics in the Region: Colombia’s presidential runoff appears to swing right toward Trump-backed Abelardo de la Espriella, with protests erupting as results remain razor-thin. Sports (World Cup): England faces Ghana as the tournament heads toward knockout qualification.

MS-13 Crackdown: The U.S. State Department boosted rewards to up to $15 million for tips leading to arrests or convictions of top MS-13 leaders in Honduras, including Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías (“Porky”) and Víctor Eduardo Morales Zelaya (“Cuervo”). Colombia’s Rightward Turn: Trump-backed businessman Abelardo de la Espriella appears set to win Colombia’s presidency, with U.S. officials congratulating him and critics warning the shift could strain human rights and the peace process. Honduras in the Spotlight Abroad: A Honduran man was arrested by ICE in South Carolina on immigration and firearm charges, with authorities saying he re-entered after removal and has a pending case. Travel & Business Links: Air Europa announced a new nonstop route from Madrid to El Salvador starting Dec. 17, connecting to existing Honduras services—another sign of growing Central American travel demand. Local Note: Honduras-born comedian Carlos Mencia faces California tax-fraud charges tied to alleged failure to report millions.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Honduras President Nasry Asfura toured the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra after a drone attack, viewing damage to the Assumption Cathedral and fragments of the drone while workers restore about 70% of the roof. Human Rights Under Pressure: A new report says environmental and Indigenous rights defenders were among the world’s most targeted activists in 2025, with 358 killed across 28 countries and nearly 4,000 non-lethal attacks reported. World Cup Focus (Honduras in the mix): FIFA World Cup 2026 officials include Honduran referee Said Martinez, set to oversee England vs Ghana in Group L. Regional Politics: Antigua and Barbuda and Honduras formally established diplomatic relations, signing a joint communiqué in Panama City to expand cooperation on trade, tourism, education, culture, and technical support. Colombia’s Runoff Echoes Across the Region: Trump-backed far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won Colombia’s presidential runoff over leftist Iván Cepeda, with both the U.S. and regional observers watching security and migration policy shifts.

Colombia Runoff: Abelardo de la Espriella, a Trump-endorsed far-right lawyer, won the presidential runoff Sunday against leftist senator Iván Cepeda, with 99.65% of ballots counted and a tight margin that signals a sharp rightward swing after years of left leadership. World Cup Spotlight: Curaçao’s veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room made World Cup history with 15 saves in a 0-0 draw vs Ecuador, earning the tiny island nation its first-ever point at the tournament. Honduras in the News: A Honduran national was arrested in North Carolina for allegedly possessing a firearm while illegally in the U.S., tied to a fatal road-rage shooting; separately, a man wanted in a Maryland hit-and-run was arrested at Newark airport while trying to fly to Honduras. Human Rights Watch: A new report says Honduras recorded 13 killings of human rights defenders in 2025, as activists face shrinking resources and rising repression. Food Security Watch: Global agencies warn El Niño and geopolitical tensions could strain food systems, even as cereal supplies remain relatively steady.

Colombia Election: Colombians vote Sunday in a high-stakes runoff between Abelardo de la Espriella, a Trump-backed hard-right lawyer, and leftist senator Iván Cepeda, with security fears after bomb attacks and the killing of a leading candidate in Bogota. Election Integrity: Both campaigns are deploying large numbers of poll watchers and vote witnesses to reduce fraud risk as the race remains tight. Honduras in the News: A Honduran national, Josue Alejandro Quintanilla-Reyes, was arrested in Raleigh for allegedly possessing a firearm while illegally in the U.S., tied to a March 2025 road rage killing. Human Rights: A new report by Front Line Defenders says 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, with Honduras among the hardest hit. World Cup Spotlight: Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw vs Ecuador, setting a World Cup single-match record for saves in 90 minutes. Food Security: Global agencies warn El Niño and geopolitical tensions could strain food production and access, even as cereal supplies remain relatively adequate.

World Cup Focus: Ecuador host Curacao in Group E on Saturday night in Kansas City, with Ecuador heavily favored and looking to bounce back after an opening loss. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s beach volleyball teams kicked off NORCECA pool play in Juan Dolio, with Honduran opponents featuring in the opening matches. Honduras in the U.S. Legal System: A Honduran man, Josue Alejandro Quintanilla-Reyes, was arrested in Raleigh on a federal warrant for allegedly possessing a firearm while illegally present after a March 2025 road rage shooting that killed another driver. Extradition Case: Another man wanted in a fatal Gaithersburg hit-and-run was arrested at Newark airport while trying to board a flight to Honduras, awaiting extradition. Immigration Enforcement Debate: A new report says recent street-level ICE arrests disproportionately targeted Latinos, fueling fear in immigrant neighborhoods. Ukraine-Belarus Tensions: Zelenskyy issued Belarus a one-week ultimatum to remove border relay equipment tied to Russian drone guidance, warning Ukraine will act if Minsk doesn’t comply. Diplomacy & Food Security: Honduras President Nasry Asfura met Zelenskyy in Kyiv, saying Ukraine can help with Honduras’ food security and drone/digital technology.

MS-13 Crackdown: The U.S. State Department raised rewards for two top MS-13 leaders operating from Honduras—up to $10 million for “Porky” (Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías) and up to $5 million for “Cuervo” (Víctor Eduardo Morales Zelaya)—as Washington escalates its campaign against the gang. Ukraine-Honduras Diplomacy: President Nasry Asfura met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Zelenskyy saying the U.S. has shown “constructive” interest for licenses to let Ukraine produce American missiles on its soil, while Honduras pledged support at the UN and the ICC. Local Justice and Security: In the U.S., a Honduran man, Franklin Flores-Penas, was sentenced to 21 months for illegal reentry after multiple deportations. Migration/Crime Case: A Gaithersburg, Maryland hit-and-run suspect was arrested at Newark while trying to board a flight to Honduras, facing manslaughter-by-vehicle and leaving-the-scene charges. Climate Policy: Honduras was among leaders at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, where calls for climate justice and stronger partnerships highlighted how vulnerable communities are hit hardest.

Honduras Diplomacy: President Nasry Asfura met Ukraine’s leaders during his first visit, promising to brief Pope Leo XIV and offering support for Ukraine at the UN and the ICC, while Ukraine said it can share drone and digitalization know-how to help Honduras’ food security. U.S.-Honduras Security: Washington raised rewards for two alleged MS-13 leaders operating from Honduras—up to $10 million for “Porky” and up to $5 million for “Cuervo”—as part of a broader push against transnational gangs. Local Development: A new community center in Honduras is set to expand education and job training, with support tied to Dole’s land donation and programs aimed at health, literacy, tech skills, and civic engagement. Regional Context: The World Bank backs digital wallets as a foundation for user-controlled digital identity, while UN agencies warn El Niño could threaten food security across vulnerable countries, including parts of Latin America. Breaking News Abroad with Honduras links: A Honduran man accused in a deadly Maryland hit-and-run was arrested at Newark airport while trying to board a flight to Honduras.

World Cup Spotlight: Canada crushed Qatar 6-0 as Jonathan David hit a hat trick, while Mexico edged South Korea in Guadalajara, keeping the tournament’s momentum high for CONCACAF fans. Honduras-Taiwan Fallout: Honduras says it’s still chasing repayment after switching recognition from Taiwan to Communist China in 2023, with Taiwan citing a $422.5 million debt and warning promised economic support didn’t arrive. Climate Risk for Honduras: The UN FAO and WFP launched a $202 million anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Honduras, from El Niño-driven droughts, floods, and storms. Local Development in Honduras: Dole-linked funding helped spur a new community center in Honduras, aimed at training, health services, and skills for rural families. U.S. Immigration Pressure on Hondurans: A Honduran asylum case in Canada is headed to court after claims Canada returns people to the U.S. without proper safeguards, and separate reporting highlights Honduran detainees facing deportation. Security & Justice: U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force-Bravo welcomed a new command team at Soto Cano Air Base.

El Niño Aid for Honduras: The UN’s FAO and WFP launched a first-ever joint anticipatory action appeal for $202 million to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Honduras, warning strong El Niño could bring droughts, floods, and storms that disrupt planting and water supplies. Human Rights in Honduras: Amnesty International says the coastal community of Cedeño in the Gulf of Fonseca is facing a climate-driven rights crisis, with erosion and storm impacts damaging water access and threatening food and housing. Honduras-linked Immigration Crackdowns (US): In the US, ICE operations and prosecutions continue to spotlight Hondurans, including a Wake County asylum case for a Honduran woman detained in Raleigh and a federal case charging a Honduran man with illegal reentry in New Orleans. Public Safety in Honduras: Honduras mourns the deaths of seven police officers after a crash on the CA-5 highway near El Rodeo slope, with investigations ongoing. MS-13 Rewards: The US State Department increased rewards for leaders of MS-13 in Honduras, including “Porky” and “Cuervo,” tied to drug trafficking and violent crimes.

El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a $202 million joint appeal to protect nearly 9 million people across 22 high-risk countries from extreme weather linked to a strengthening El Niño. Honduras Road Safety: At least seven National Police officers died in a crash on the CA-5 highway near El Rodeo slope, with more than 20 injured, as authorities investigate how a semi-trailer entered the police bus lane. Climate Rights in Honduras: Amnesty International warned that coastal erosion in Cedeño is driving a human rights crisis, threatening residents’ rights to water, food, and housing as the shoreline retreats. Immigration Pressure on Hondurans Abroad: A Honduran family’s case is at the center of a Canadian federal court challenge alleging asylum seekers are sent back to the U.S. under the Safe Third Country Agreement without proper safeguards. U.S. Enforcement Hits Hondurans: ICE operations and related court cases highlighted Honduran nationals facing immigration and criminal charges, including a Durham road rage suspect charged federally after a fatal shooting. Tech Threat Watch: Researchers say the FishMonger hacking group expanded its SprySOCKS backdoor to Windows, with reported activity including government targets in Honduras. World Cup Spotlight: Lionel Messi scored a hat trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, while Honduras fans also keep an eye on the tournament’s wider Central American football storylines.

Honduras Climate Crisis: Amnesty International warns Cedeño in the Gulf of Fonseca is losing ground fast, with the coastline retreating about 135 meters since 2004, threatening rights to water, food, and housing. Immigration & Deportation: A U.S. Army veteran in Texas is pleading with ICE to stop the deportation of his Honduran wife, detained after a decades-old order despite her lack of a criminal record. World Cup Spotlight: Lionel Messi’s Argentina opened World Cup 2026 with a 3-0 win over Algeria, including a hat trick, as fans frame it as a possible “last dance” run. Cybersecurity: ESET reports the China-linked FishMonger group has expanded SprySOCKS malware to Windows, using stealthy kernel drivers and targeting government organizations, including in Honduras. Human Smuggling Crackdown: Mexican-based smuggling rings were busted across multiple U.S. states, including cases involving hostage-style ransom schemes and forced labor. Regional Trade: OECD says El Salvador leads Latin America in faster customs clearance, with Honduras listed among the better performers.

Immigration Courts Under Strain: In New Hampshire, a surge in habeas corpus filings is leaving detainees waiting for bond hearings; one Honduran man says he spent about a year in Strafford County jail without ever seeing a judge. World Cup Spotlight: Lionel Messi’s Argentina opened World Cup 2026 with a 3-0 hat-trick win over Algeria, hitting major milestones as fans frame it as his likely final run. Honduras Aid on the Ground: Bible school students and church missions raised thousands to help build homes and fund food for families in El Negrito and Subirana, Honduras. Cybersecurity Watch: Researchers say the China-linked FishMonger “SprySOCKS” backdoor has moved from Linux to Windows, including kernel-level stealth, with reported targeting of government groups including in Honduras. Regional Diplomacy: Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem after Israel recognized it, drawing condemnation from Jordan and others; Honduras is listed among countries that have opened missions there. Security & Energy: Bahrain and many partners, including Honduras, condemned a drone attack targeting electrical infrastructure near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant.

World Cup Focus: Argentina kick-starts its 2026 title defense against Algeria in Kansas City, with Lionel Messi expected to start after missing the Honduras friendly and with Scaloni and Otamendi stressing his central role. Immigration & Health: A new Tennessee law would require reporting about 400 disabled and chronically ill children receiving lifesaving care to ICE, raising fears families will lose access to treatment. Cybersecurity: ESET warns that the China-linked FishMonger “SprySOCKS” backdoor has Windows variants using kernel drivers for stealth, with activity tied to government targets including Honduras. Regional Integration: SICA appoints Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas as its first female Secretary General, ending a long vacancy and starting her term in August 2026. Environment & Conservation: Honduras-linked research highlights gaps in protected-area fern records, while broader digitization and AI are helping track plant and fungi species and climate-driven changes. Diplomacy: Somaliland opened an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, drawing condemnation from Jordan and Islamic countries.