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Latin American leftists met in Spain, signaling push against US influence on continent
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MEXICO CITY: The recent high-profile gathering of leftist leaders in Barcelona, convened by Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is drawing increasing attention for what analysts describe as a broader geopolitical positioning that could challenge U.S. influence across Latin America and beyond.
The summit brought together Brazil president Lula da Silva, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum. Framed as a platform for addressing inequality, climate change and the rise of right-wing political movements, yet the rhetoric coming from it has raised questions in Washington and across the region about whether a more coordinated political counterweight to the United States is taking shape.
Without naming the Trump administration, Sánchez warned of the «normalization of the use of force» and «attempts to undermine international law», as criticism of U.S. foreign policy. He also pushed for reforms to global institutions, arguing that the current system no longer reflects today’s geopolitical realities, a position that implicitly challenges long-standing U.S. leadership in those bodies.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez take part in the 4th Meeting in Defense of Democracy, held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in LâHospitalet de Llobregat, where he welcomed the attending delegations and underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation in defense of democratic values in Barcelona, Spain on April 18, 2026. The event included the greeting of heads of delegation and the traditional family photo, ahead of the start of the leadersâ meeting. Among those attending were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum; Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet; and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. (Lorena Sopena Lopez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«The Barcelona summit reflects a deliberate effort by Pedro Sánchez to position himself as a leading figure within an emerging progressive bloc that is increasingly critical of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump,» Juan Angel Soto, founder and CEO of Fortius Consulting told Fox News Digital.
«This positioning is particularly complex given Spain’s structural anchoring in both the European Union and NATO, which traditionally align it closely with Washington. However, Sánchez has simultaneously deepened ties with the Global South, evident in his growing proximity to China, as well as to leaders such as Lula, Sheinbaum, and Petro, suggesting a dual-track foreign policy that seeks greater autonomy from U.S. influence,» Soto said.
The Colombian leader tied global tensions directly to economic and energy systems, arguing that fossil fuel dependence has fueled conflict and inequality, an argument that aligns with broader criticism of Western-led economic models.
Roberto Salinas León, Director of International Affairs at Universidad de la Libertad in Mexico City, told Fox News Digital: «The ill-named summit «In Defense of Democracy» held in Barcelona brought together notable «progressives» with an aim to bring together a global contingent opposed to, well, Trump 2.0. How convenient.»
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez shake hands before their meeting in Beijing, China September 9, 2024 (China Daily via Reuters)
«Petro stated that ‘Latin American progressivism is a ray of hope for a humanity in crisis.’ Yet these would-be spokespersons for democracy have supported such inhumane brutal dictatorships like Cuba, Nicaragua, Maduro’s Venezuela, Iran, and others. This gathering is more aptly characterized as a political mascara of electoral autocracies, each leader undermining the institutional checks and balances of open liberal democracies,» he said.
Brazil’s Lula criticized what he described as interventionist policies by major powers and called for a rebalancing of global governance, including changes to the U.N. Security Council. At one point, he characterized recent U.S. leadership as contributing to global instability, reinforcing a central theme of the summit: that the current international order needs to be redefined.
President Donald Trump, center, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, second from left, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz and Chile’s President-elect Jose Antonio Kast pose for a family photo during the Shield of the Americas» Summit in Doral, Fla., on Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
«The new Cold War is being waged between China and the United States; it is this very rivalry that is at stake in every country participating in the summit. Lula’s concern regarding the resurgence of the right has become patently obvious, particularly when observing Argentina and Chile, where the victories of Milei and Kast have ushered in ‘winds of change.’ We are, quite literally, living through times reminiscent of the fall of the Berlin Wall, specifically, the collapse of ‘21st-century socialism’ across Hispanic America, and this is precisely what has them so worried,» Brazilian political analyst Sandra Bronzina told Fox News Digital
«When the global progressive left rails against the United States, talking about sovereignty and peace, or speaking out against war, they are not doing so out of mere altruism or good intentions. Rather, they are driven by a shadowy self-interest: ensuring that China continues to colonize our nations, a process that is, evidently, already well underway.»
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Mexico’s Sheinbaum underscored the principle of national sovereignty, reiterating Latin America’s longstanding emphasis on non-intervention. She joined other leaders in opposing sanctions on countries such as Cuba, signaling a willingness to coordinate positions that diverge sharply from U.S. policy in the region.
Taken together, analysts say the messaging out of Barcelona suggests the early stages of a loosely aligned bloc, one that is increasingly willing to challenge U.S. positions on global governance, regional policy and economic strategy.
Chile elected right wing leader Jose Kast as president. (Juan Gonzalez/Reuters)
Yet even as leaders in Barcelona warn of a rising right-wing threat, political realities across the Americas tell a different story, one that may resonate more directly with U.S. audiences.
In Argentina, sweeping economic reforms focused on deregulation and fiscal discipline have captured global attention as an alternative to state-led models. In El Salvador, aggressive security policies have dramatically reduced violence. And in Ecuador, a renewed focus on law-and-order and institutional control is emerging as a response to escalating cartel violence.
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Analysts say these examples highlight a counter to the Barcelona narrative in that a significant portion of the region is moving toward policies centered on security, market reforms and stronger state authority — priorities that often align more closely with U.S. strategic interests.
Experts say the contrast is striking. On one side, a group of leaders in Barcelona is calling for a rethinking of global systems long associated with U.S. leadership. On the other, governments across the hemisphere are experimenting with approaches that emphasize economic liberalization and strong security measures.
latin america, colombia, brazil, mexico, spain, national security, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Trump administration pledges $150M in aid, deploys Navy warships after deadly Venezuela earthquakes
Secretary Rubio details US aid to Venezuela after earthquakes
Secretary Rubio, in Manama, Bahrain, outlines the comprehensive U.S. government response to the devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela. He confirms immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the urgency to save lives. Rubio reiterates President Donald Trump’s commitment to supporting Venezuela and collaborating with international partners on recovery efforts and long-term stability.
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Following a catastrophic set of earthquakes that left at least 235 people dead in Venezuela, the Trump administration has activated a government-wide humanitarian response, pledging $150 million in aid and deploying U.S. Navy warships to assist in life-saving rescue operations.
The rapid mobilization Thursday comes after back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes rocked northern Venezuela roughly 120 miles west of Caracas Wednesday night.
The rare earthquake «doublet» injured more than 940 people and turned the state of La Guaira into a disaster zone, while forcing the closure of the damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport, according to Venezuela’s Health Ministry.
US RESCUE TEAMS TO DESCEND ON HARD-HIT CARIBBEAN AFTER CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE MELISSA’S IMPACT
Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero / AFP via Getty Images)
The U.S. Department of State announced on Thursday it is mobilizing $150 million in aid, which includes $50 million in new bilateral awards for relief partners on the ground — such as Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services and World Vision — along with a $100 million contribution to a United Nations humanitarian pooled fund.
To spearhead efforts on the ground, the State Department has deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team alongside two highly specialized urban search-and-rescue teams from fire departments in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California.
U.S. WARSHIPS TO PATROL INTERNATIONAL WATERS AROUND VENEZUELA AS TRUMP VOWS TO STOP CARTELS
Members of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s international urban search and rescue team (USA-2) prepare to leave for Venezuela, in Pacoima, Calif., Thursday. (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said it is surging assigned U.S. military forces to the region, directing the USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings to Venezuela to back the State Department-led operations.
The USS Fort Lauderdale will serve as a «floating command center» with a flight deck to support heavy-lift helicopters and a well deck to launch landing craft, according to SOUTHCOM.
Meanwhile, the agile USS Billings will provide critical support close to the shorelines to accelerate the disaster response missions.
U.S. SOUTHCOM said it has directed USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and USS Billings (LCS 15) to Venezuela to support State Department-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela. (@Southcom/X)
SOUTHCOM said it is also sending rotary-wing aircraft, which will provide critical life-saving airlift support, transporting U.S. government response personnel, search and rescue teams and partners during relief operations.
Amid the crisis, the State Department emphasized that the safety of U.S. citizens remains the administration’s highest priority.
«The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. The Department of State is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas,» officials wrote in a statement. «The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating disaster and will continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical time.»
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U.S. citizens in Venezuela are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and can contact the State Department 24/7 at 202-501-4444 for emergency assistance.
Family members in the U.S. seeking information on loved ones can call toll-free at 888-407-4747.
earthquakes, disaster response, disaster response disasters, us navy, military, state department, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Ascienden a 11 los presuntos traficantes de personas detenidos en frontera norte de Costa Rica durante el 2026
La labor de vigilancia en el puesto fronterizo de Peñas Blancas, en el cantón de La Cruz, Guanacaste, permitió que la Policía de Fronteras elevara a 11 la cifra de presuntos traficantes de personas aprehendidos en lo que va del 2026, como resultado de los controles reforzados en uno de los principales puntos de ingreso y salida del país.
Las autoridades atribuyen estos resultados al fortalecimiento de las acciones operativas y al uso de escáneres móviles, una herramienta tecnológica que ha permitido detectar personas ocultas dentro de vehículos de carga y frustrar intentos de tráfico ilícito de migrantes.
Los dos casos más recientes ocurrieron durante junio y tuvieron como protagonistas a conductores de camiones de carga que, presuntamente, intentaban trasladar personas en condición migratoria irregular escondidas en los camarotes de sus vehículos.
El primero de los hechos tuvo lugar en el puesto fronterizo de Peñas Blancas, cuando oficiales de la Policía de Fronteras inspeccionaron un cabezal conducido por un ciudadano nicaragüense de apellido Calero que se disponía a salir de Costa Rica con destino a Nicaragua.
Durante la revisión, los oficiales utilizaron un escáner móvil que permitió detectar la presencia de dos personas ocultas en el compartimento del camarote. Tras abrir el vehículo, las autoridades localizaron a dos mujeres de nacionalidad nicaragüense que se encontraban en condición migratoria irregular.
Las dos mujeres fueron puestas a disposición de la Policía Profesional de Migración para determinar su situación migratoria, mientras que el conductor fue detenido como sospechoso del presunto delito de tráfico ilícito de personas.
Días antes, el pasado 10 de junio, la Policía de Fronteras había intervenido otro caso de características similares en el mismo puesto fronterizo.
En esa ocasión, un camionero costarricense de apellido Pérez ingresaba al territorio nacional cuando los oficiales realizaron una inspección mediante escáner móvil. La revisión permitió descubrir que el conductor transportaba oculta en el camarote del cabezal a una niña de nacionalidad salvadoreña que no cumplía con los requisitos migratorios para ingresar al país.
Tras el hallazgo, la Policía de Fronteras coordinó de inmediato con la Fiscalía de Liberia y con el Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI), debido a que la persona localizada era una menor de edad.
Las autoridades informaron que la niña fue entregada posteriormente a su madre, también salvadoreña, quien sí viajaba legalmente hacia Costa Rica, aunque lo hacía en otro medio de transporte y separada de la menor.
Al igual que en el caso del conductor nicaragüense, el camionero costarricense fue detenido bajo la dirección funcional de la Fiscalía de Liberia y quedó a las órdenes de las autoridades judiciales como sospechoso del delito de tráfico ilícito de personas.
Según la Policía de Fronteras, ambos casos evidencian cómo el uso de tecnología especializada se ha convertido en una herramienta determinante para combatir las redes dedicadas al tráfico de migrantes, un delito que suele aprovechar vehículos de carga internacional para ocultar personas y evadir los controles migratorios.
Peñas Blancas constituye uno de los pasos fronterizos con mayor tránsito de mercancías y personas entre Costa Rica y Nicaragua, por lo que las autoridades mantienen operativos permanentes en la zona con apoyo de equipos tecnológicos y personal especializado.
El delito de tráfico ilícito de personas consiste en facilitar el ingreso, salida o tránsito irregular de personas a cambio de un beneficio económico u otro tipo de provecho, una práctica distinta al delito de trata de personas, el cual implica explotación de las víctimas.
Las autoridades reiteraron que continuarán reforzando los controles fronterizos para detectar este tipo de organizaciones y evitar que menores de edad y otros migrantes sean expuestos a condiciones de riesgo durante traslados clandestinos.
corresponsal:Desde San José, Costa Rica
INTERNACIONAL
French citizen who illegally cast ballot in 2022 midterms says New Jersey automatically registered him to vote
DOJ cracking down on noncitizen voters
UC Berkeley Law professor John Yoo joins ‘Fox News Live’ to discuss the Justice Department’s investigation into voter rolls as it seeks to identify noncitizen voters.
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FIRST ON FOX: Attorneys representing a French national who recently admitted to illegally casting a ballot in the 2022 federal midterm elections told Fox News Digital that he thought he was allowed to vote because he was automatically registered when he received his New Jersey driver’s license.
Eliezer Kadoch, 39, of Toms River, pleaded guilty to voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Brandon Day in Trenton federal court, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Though Kadoch is a citizen of France and has never held U.S. citizenship, he illegally voted on Nov. 8, 2022, during an election that was held in part to elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives, according to court documents.
FOUR NONCITIZENS CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY VOTING IN 2020, 2022 AND 2024 FEDERAL ELECTIONS IN NEW JERSEY
FILE – The Department of Homeland Security has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport undocumented immigrants who vote in American elections. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
Attorney Yosef Jacobovitch, who is representing Kadoch, told Fox News Digital that when his client cast the ballot, he «mistakenly believed» he was legally permitted to vote because he had been automatically registered when he obtained his New Jersey driver’s license.
«Mr. Kadoch accepted responsibility for his actions,» Jacobovitch said. «… There was never any intent to violate the law or cast an unlawful ballot. Unfortunately, the offense to which he pleaded guilty does not require proof of criminal intent, and he now fully understands that.»
Kadoch now faces up to six months in federal prison and a $100,000 fine, according to officials. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 26.
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FILE – A woman wearing gloves drops off a mail-in ballot at a drop box in Hackensack, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) reported that issuing driver’s licenses to noncitizens, combined with automatic voter registration, can result in them being added to voter rolls.
In recent years, the nonprofit said numerous states — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia — investigated the issue and identified noncitizens on their voter rolls.
Model legislation drafted by AFPI suggested solutions including requiring proof of citizenship to vote, and implementing audit requirements to ensure that noncitizens are not on the voter rolls.
A woman walks to cast her ballot after filling it in a privacy booth while voting in the gubernatorial election in Newark, N.J., on Nov. 2, 2021. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer noted the case was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners dedicated to preserving and protecting the integrity of elections in New Jersey.
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The investigation was a joint effort involving special agents from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Kadoch’s immigration status was not publicly released.
The New Jersey Department of State, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Ocean County Clerk’s Office and AFPI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
voter fraud concerns, midterm elections, justice department, federal courts, new jersey, elections, politics
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