INTERNACIONAL
Trump urged to review UN immunity, lax visa rules amid national security concerns
A 1947 agreement outlining obligations as host of the United Nations continues to give employees and their family members relatively unfettered access to the U.S.
At a time of increased national security fears and immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, experts are urging a re-examination of the host nation agreement with an eye to the functional immunity granted to U.N. staff and the limited vetting given to those with U.N. visas.
«The United States appears to have taken a relaxed view of the individuals entering the country associated with the U.N., either as employees or as representatives of various country missions. And yet we know that U.N. employees have had, and continue to have, close, direct relationships with terrorist organizations, like UNRWA and Hamas,» Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and president of Human Rights Voices, told Fox News Digital.
UN WATCHDOG PROJECT CALLS ON DOGE CAUCUS TO ‘AUDIT’ THE INTERNATIONAL ORG
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s minister for foreign affairs, talks with Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, during a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, April 24, 2023. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Bayefsky said there is «a disconnect between the welcome routine and the significant harm to American interests. Hosting the U.N. does not require the host country to facilitate or endure threats to its national security.»
The federal government grants G visas to employees, spouses and children of international organizations, including the U.N., who reside in, or are visiting, the U.S. According to the State Department’s website, «if you are entitled to a G visa, under U.S. visa law, you must receive a G visa. The exceptions to this rule are extremely limited.» The Department of State also explains that «Embassies and consulates generally do not require an interview for those applying for G-1 – 4 and NATO-1 – 6 visas, although a consular officer can request an interview.»
Hugh Dugan, a senior advisor to 11 U.S. former ambassadors to the U.N., told Fox News Digital that it «appears to me that the issuance of the G visas for [U.N. employees] is a relatively rubber stamp exercise.» While not requiring interviews of personnel has «become a matter of convenience, frankly, we should always be able to assess a threat to our country.»’
Dugan, a former National Security Council special assistant to the president and senior director for international organization affairs, said nations like Russia and China are only allowed to travel a certain distance from U.N. headquarters. «We are mindful of our adversaries’ activities and presence here, but the door is open to participate in the U.N. and the host country agreement makes that possible so that no country would be barred because of a certain political atmosphere or issue that might be brewing between us and them.»
Former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi displays the photo of Gen. Kasim Soleimani at the United Nations. (Peter Aitken for Fox News Digital)
Fox News Digital asked the State Department whether it requires interviews for staff from adversarial member states, including Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, North Korea, Iran and China, but received no response. A State Department spokesperson reiterated that consular officers «have full authority to require an in-person interview for any reason.»
Peter Gallo, formerly an investigator with the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), told Fox News Digital that he is particularly concerned about the functional immunity granted to U.N. staff participating in activities related to their employment. Gallo explained that «U.S. legal system has come to accept that pretty much it’s a blanket coverage.» He added that «immunity breeds impunity.»
REPUBLICANS SEEK TO BLOCK THE REAPPOINTMENT OF UN OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF ANTISEMITISM
Gallo claimed that there is an epidemic of sexual offenses and misconduct among U.N. staff. He cited an incident in which a U.N. employee outside the U.S. sexually harassed «a young female in his department.» Gallo said it took two years after receipt of the investigation report for an investigation to be completed, which resulted in the demotion of the offending employee. Gallo said the employee who was harassed, and her harasser remained in the same organization.
Gallo said that if employees take part in misconduct while based at U.N. headquarters, the U.S. government should be able to examine cases and determine whether staff should retain their G visas.
Dugan said that if U.N. personnel «knew that [immunity] could be lifted at any time by us… they might start behaving a lot differently.»
China’s Vice President Han Zheng addresses the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 21, 2023. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
In response to questions about whether U.N. staff have been accused of sexual misconduct in the U.S., or whether U.N. staff who engaged in misconduct have had their G visas revoked, a State Department spokesperson explained the department «generally does not provide» revocation statistics. They also said that «all visa applicants, no matter the visa type and where they are located, are continuously vetted. Security vetting runs from the time of each application, through adjudication of the visa, and afterwards during the validity period of every issued visa, to ensure the individual remains eligible to travel to the United States.»
The spokesperson said officials of the U.N. «are expected to respect applicable laws of the United States, including criminal laws. Failure to do so may constitute an abuse of privileges of residence.» They added that this «applies for those who hold diplomatic immunity for their positions as well.»
Among staff who have raised internal alarm bells is U.N. special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese, who traveled to the U.S. in 2024 to deliver a report before the Third Committee of the General Assembly. Albanese, whose antisemitism has been condemned widely by senior U.S. diplomats and the State Department, was allowed to tour multiple U.S. college campuses while in the U.S.
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In addition to qualifying for «rubber stamp» G visas, staff of international organizations like the United Nations can qualify for green cards if they have spent half of at least seven years of employment inside the U.S., or have been in the U.S. for a combined total of 15 years prior to retirement.
INTERNACIONAL
Una turista contó cómo vivió el operativo contra “El Mencho” entre bloqueos, disparos y un “estado de guerra”
Entre disparos y bloqueos de narcotraficantes, decenas de turistas quedaron atrapados el domingo en unas cabañas de Tapalpa, en el estado mexicano de Jalisco, donde fue abatido en un operativo militar Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”.
“Desde que desperté, los helicópteros ya sobrevolaban muy cerca, y fue alrededor de las 7:00 cuando nuestros familiares intentaron contactarnos“, relató a EFE una turista que pidió mantener el anonimato.
Fue entonces que se dio cuenta de que estaba hospedada cerca de la guarida de “El Mencho”, en el complejo turístico Tapalpa Country Club.
Leé también: Escondida en un bosque y protegida por muros de piedra: así es la mansión donde cayó “El Mencho”
En esta zona boscosa, rodeada por centenares de árboles y residencias de lujo, la mujer y su grupo de amigos se encerraron en una habitación al fondo de una cabaña, “la más segura”, porque “no tenía tantos cristales que pudieran ser atravesados por una bala”.
Con la poca señal que llegaba a sus teléfonos celulares, recibieron decenas de mensajes enviados a un chat del condominio, integrado por aproximadamente 60 personas -entre turistas nacionales e internacionales y organizadores-, quienes solicitaban a huéspedes y propietarios “no salir de las cabañas”.
“Estado de guerra”
Afuera de las cabañas se desarrollaba un fuerte operativo del Ejército mexicano para capturar a “El Mencho”, el líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) y uno de los narcotraficantes más buscados del mundo.
“Al inicio pensábamos que era un operativo normal, pero después empezaron a llegarnos videos de grupos armados pasando entre las cabañas y, minutos más tarde, escuchamos disparos. Una hora de disparos”, recordó.
Dos soldados custodian una zona de Tapalpa, en Jalisco (Foto: Reuters)
El tiroteo terminó al mediodía.
Según se supo después, el líder narco se escondía desde el 21 de febrero en una exclusiva cabaña con su pareja sentimental.
Las conversaciones durante esas horas eran de temor y aislamiento.
Leé también: El narcotráfico dio una brutal muestra de poder de fuego ante el cambio de estrategia del gobierno mexicano
“Estábamos en un estado de guerra del que no podíamos salir”, señaló la turista. Afuera había un bloqueo con un camión que impedía el paso.
“No teníamos más comida” y, sobre todo, “queríamos regresar a casa”, porque “nuestras familias viven en Guadalajara, donde la situación estaba “aún peor”, agregó.
El operativo contra el capo mexicano desató una ola de violencia en todo el país, en la que fallecieron 25 integrantes de la Guardia Nacional y más de 30 miembros del CJNG.
Cómo fue el regreso a casa
Regresar a la ciudad de Guadalajara la tarde del domingo fue una “misión imposible”. Además de los bloqueos ilegales en Tapalpa, se reportaban otros 18 en todo el estado de Jalisco, según las autoridades federales.
“En el chat de los condominios se decía que seguían quemando autos y negocios y que no era seguro regresar. Mientras pasaban las horas, yo enviaba cada treinta minutos un mensaje a mi mamá para decirle que todo estaba bien”, relató.
“El miedo no se me quitaba de la piel”, subrayó.
La noche del domingo estuvo marcada por el “insomnio”, ante la psicosis de que “alguien entrara o las balas volvieran a sonar”.
“Al despertar sabíamos que teníamos que salir de ahí”, indicó al explicar que la estrategia de escape la realizaron entre pequeños grupos de turistas que iban abandonando Tapalpa y, al mismo tiempo, avisando por mensajes de Whatsapp el estado del camino hasta Guadalajara.
Leé también: Con la muerte de “El Mencho”, México aleja el fantasma de la intervención de Trump
Con la llegada del primer grupo a la capital de Jalisco, la testigo logró salir de Tapalpa en un trayecto de dos horas y media, durante el cual contabilizó más de 15 vehículos volcados en la carretera, todos “llenos de ceniza”.
“En cada curva te encontrabas un camión quemado o surcos tapados con tierra para que los autos no se hundieran”, resaltó.
Tres días después, Guadalajara, uno de los principales puntos de operación del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, sigue con el código rojo activado y las actividades en suspenso.
(Con información de EFE)
México
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U.S. and French officials signaled Tuesday they are working to steady relations after a diplomatic flare-up that led France to restrict U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to senior government officials.
The U.S. Embassy in France told Fox News Digital that the two sides remain in contact following the dispute, which was triggered by U.S. government social media posts about the killing of a French activist earlier this month.
«Ambassador Kushner and Foreign Minister Barrot, who have met regularly during the Ambassador’s tenure, spoke today in a frank and amicable call, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together, along with all other Ministers and French officials, on the many issues that impact the United States and France, particularly as the two countries celebrate 250 years of rich diplomatic relations,» the statement said.
The outreach suggests both governments are seeking to contain the fallout from a clash that briefly raised questions about diplomatic protocol and political sensitivities between two of NATO’s closest allies.
U.S. and French officials signaled Tuesday they are working to steady relations after a diplomatic flare-up that led France to restrict U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to senior government officials. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)
France had moved to limit Kushner’s access to top officials after he did not attend a summons at the French Foreign Ministry over remarks posted by official U.S. government accounts following the death of 23-year-old activist Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-left and far-right groups in Lyon earlier this month.
The Associated Press reported that Deranque, described as a far-right activist and a fervent nationalist, was beaten during the confrontation and later died of brain injuries sustained in the attack.
In a Feb. 19 post on X, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism wrote that reports — corroborated by France’s interior minister — that Deranque was killed by left-wing militants «should concern us all,» adding: «Violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety.» The U.S. Embassy in France later shared the statement on its official account.
France had moved to limit Kushner’s access to top officials after he did not attend a summons at the French Foreign Ministry over remarks posted by official U.S. government accounts following the death of 23-year-old activist Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-left and far-right groups in Lyon earlier this month. (Olivier Chassignole/AFP via Getty Images)
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the remarks as an unwelcome intrusion into France’s domestic political debate and said Kushner’s failure to appear at the Quai d’Orsay «will naturally affect his ability to carry out his mission in our country.» He described the no-show as a «surprise,» saying ambassadors are expected to respect «the most basic practices of diplomacy» when summoned.
«We have no lessons to learn in matters of maintaining order or public order in matters of violence, and we have no lessons to learn at all from the reactionary international, simply,» Barrot said in an interview with public broadcaster France Info.
While Tuesday’s call between Kushner and Barrot indicates both sides are attempting to prevent the disagreement from escalating, the episode unfolded against a broader backdrop of periodic tension in transatlantic relations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the remarks as an unwelcome intrusion into France’s domestic political debate and said Kushner’s failure to appear at the Quai d’Orsay «will naturally affect his ability to carry out his mission in our country.» (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
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France has at times pushed for greater European «strategic autonomy» in defense and foreign policy — an approach that can diverge from Washington’s priorities, particularly as President Donald Trump has pressed NATO allies to increase defense spending and align more closely with U.S. strategic objectives. Trade has also been a recurring friction point in recent years, with tariff disputes between the United States and the European Union periodically affecting French exports.
Despite those differences, France remains one of Washington’s closest security partners in Europe, cooperating extensively on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing and NATO operations. Diplomatic access to senior officials plays a central role in coordinating those efforts, making even symbolic restrictions notable.
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INTERNACIONAL
South African president thanks Putin after 17 men ‘lured’ to Russian frontlines begin returning home
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin after 17 men who the government said were «lured» to Russian frontlines in its war against Ukraine began returning home.
In a statement Tuesday, Ramaphosa’s office said the South African government, working closely with Russian authorities, secured the repatriation of the men after receiving distress calls requesting assistance.
The group, ranging in age from 20 to 39, was allegedly recruited into «mercenary activities.»
The circumstances surrounding their recruitment remain under investigation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation address in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. (Rodger Bosch/Pool via Reuters)
Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Putin for responding positively to his request for help during a Feb. 10 phone call between the two leaders.
Four of the men have already returned to South Africa, while 11 are expected to arrive soon.
Two remain in Russia — one receiving treatment at a hospital in Moscow and another being processed before finalizing travel arrangements.
KENYA DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM RUSSIA OVER RECRUITMENT OF CITIZENS TO FIGHT IN UKRAINE WAR
South African police officers and soldiers stand on the tarmac as a Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber lands at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa, on Oct. 23, 2019. (Emmanuel Croset/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa’s embassy in Moscow is continuing to monitor the hospitalized individual until he is cleared to travel, according to Ramaphosa’s office.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in November that Kyiv estimates at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, warning the true number may be higher.
AMERICANS WARNED OF AL QAEDA-LINKED TERRORIST PRESENCE IN POPULAR VACATION GETAWAY
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting of the Federal Security Service board in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 24, 2026. (Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters)
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Sybiha said Russia uses a range of tactics to recruit foreigners, including financial incentives, deception and coercion.
«Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence,» he wrote on X. «Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults,’ where they are quickly killed.»
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