IRTF News

Shortly after the 2014 inauguration of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) discovered that he was deeply involved with the country's large drug trafficking network. Despite having video evidence of Hernández "effectively authorizing drug trafficking" in Honduras, the DEA welcomed him at their Northern Virginia command center. Hernández, who came to power in Honduras following a US-backed coup, transformed the country into a narco state, with cartel leaders confessing to paying bribes to install him as president.

The DEA's actions raised questions about its involvement in the illegal drug industry, as they were aware of Hernández's status as a narco kingpin while still supporting his administration with US taxpayer dollars and weapons. Raul Pineda, a Honduran lawyer, stated that Hernández created a drug trafficking network within the country's governance structure, using military personnel, police, prosecutors, judges, media, opinion leaders, and political groups.

Hernández turned Honduras into a crucial transit center for the drug trade, building airports that served as logistical platforms for drug trafficking. The DEA's credibility was questioned, especially as it had praised Hernández and awarded high honors to figures associated with narco activities in the past.

The story of Honduras' "narco-state" involves familial ties and confessions from various cartel leaders. Hernández's brother, Tony, faced trial and was sentenced to life in prison, and many revelations came from witnesses cooperating with the DEA.

The text describes how Hernández, with the support of powerful drug cartels, secured his presidency through fraudulent means and manipulated elections. Despite mounting evidence of his involvement in drug trafficking, he continued to receive support and praise from US officials. The narco empire of the Hernández brothers began to unravel with arrests, convictions, and extraditions, but the DEA's "war on drugs" persisted.

Continuous demonstrations and road blockades in Guatemala intensify as riot police and armed groups attempt to suppress protesters demanding the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras, prosecutors, and Judge Fredy Orellana. Security forces used violence to evict peaceful protesters, including pregnant women and children, demanding the return of democracy and respect for the election results that declared Bernardo Arévalo president and Karin Herrera vice-president. Shock groups associated with political interests also attempted to disperse demonstrators outside the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Guatemala City. Additionally, citizens in different regions, such as Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán, mobilized to prevent riot police from suppressing their right to protest. The government faces accusations of undermining the electoral process and escalating repression against protesters, judges, lawyers, and prosecutors. Business chambers pressure the government to clear highways occupied by protesters. Despite the challenges, peaceful protests and road blockades continue across the country.

Colombia's government issued a long-awaited public apology for the extrajudicial killings of 19 civilians during a violent period in the nation's civil war. The victims, mistaken as rebel fighters, were killed by the military between 2004 and 2008. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez expressed deep regret and asked for forgiveness from the victims' families. The killings involved young men lured with false promises, shot by soldiers, and presented as combat casualties to secure promotions. Previous administrations had avoided public apologies, but the current government, led by President Gustavo Petro, has been more cooperative with investigations into war crimes. Despite the apology, many families are not ready to forgive, and they demand accountability from politicians, including former President Santos, who apologized privately in 2021. The public apology aims to rebuild trust between the military and communities affected by human rights violations, especially as the government seeks peace deals with remaining rebel groups.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization, has released a report naming corporations and foundations involved in building Atlanta's controversial public safety training center, known as "Cop City." The list includes sponsors and donors of the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), the nonprofit overseeing the center's construction. AFSC aims to pressure these entities to divest from the project and invest in community safety instead. The report, compiled with contributions from various organizations, supports the #StopCopCity movement, which advocates for a public vote on the training center. Opponents argue against the center, citing concerns about police militarization, racial injustice, and environmental racism in the predominantly Black neighborhood. The referendum, supported by over 116,000 signatures, remains in legal limbo pending a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The 2023 election in Guatemala reflects decades of human rights violations since colonial times, leading to power consolidation among a few for economic interests. Despite this, Guatemalan people, including indigenous groups and civil society organizations, have protested against authoritarian actions by the government. The elections faced challenges, including opposition candidate prohibitions and alleged voter fraud. The government’s actions, collusion between institutions, and attempts to control the justice system pose threats to democracy. The future remains uncertain, with attention focused on key dates: October 31, when Semilla’s suspension could resume, and January 14, 2024, the presidential inauguration, pending resolution of democracy-related issues. Amidst theses challenges, Guatemalan people persist in defending their rights, resisting oppression, and mobilizing for change. NISGUA calls for global solidarity with Guatemalan people in their struggle for democracy.  

Welcome to IRTF’s September 2023 newsletter on Migrant Justice and the current situation at the US-Mexico border! After you’ve looked through the articles, we hope you can take a few minutes to see the TAKE ACTION items at the bottom.

A recent report by the International Organization for Migration calls the US-Mexico border the “deadliest” in the world. But despite the emotional and economic cost, the harsh terrain, and the dangerous crossings (Darién Gap, border walls, Rio Grande River), migrants still come. Until root causes of migration are seriously addressed, they will come. As numbers of migrants rise, so do the number of removal flights operated by the US. In August, removal flights were up 50% from July, with 73% of them to the Northern Triangle countries of Central America. There were 52 flights to Guatemala, and 51 to Honduras , the highest number on record for that country. 

For those with a vulnerable legal status residing in the US, nothing has improved. TPS expirations for some nationalities were extended, but that only covers 600,000+ migrants from 16 nations.DACA was just ruled unconstitutional (again) by a federal judge (again).  We can expect that one to go to the Supreme Court.

In the absence of any meaningful immigration reform, everything being offered by the Biden Administration and Congress is piecemeal. See the Take Action items listed at the bottom to show your support for addressing the root causes of migration, cutting “alternatives to detention” surveillance programs, and ending family detention.

Read this monthly newsletter in its entirety at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog.

 In 1986, equal exchange was founded by Rink Dickinson, Michael Rozyne and Jonathan Rosenthal as a worker-owned fair-trade cooperative. They aimed to address the growing disconnection between consumers and the sources of their food. The radical idea was to create an alternative Trade Organization, promoting fair prices for farmers, supporting small farmer cooperatives, and ensuring ethical international trade. Over the years, consolidation in the food industry, driven by corporate monopolies, limits choices for farmers, businesses, and consumers. This concentration leads to exploitative practices, reduces options for communities, and contributes to food deserts and ecological damage. Experts argue against the for-profit, efficiency-based system, advocating for a diverse approach involving small and large entities, cooperatives, and fair trade. Despite challenges, efforts persist to reclaim control from corporate greed and create a healthier, fairer, and transparent food system through community-based initiatives.

The Alliance for Global Justice expresses deep concern about the security situation in the ETCR Dagoberto Ortiz in Colombia. The community faces constant threats, leading to the murder of six members. They call for a roundtable to establish lasting peace and propose relocation due to ongoing violence. The Alliance supports their initiatives and urges the Colombian State to provide protection, emphasizing the necessity of total peace in Colombia. They commend the efforts of Gustavo Petro's administration but urge not to overlook the plight of ETCR Dagoberto Ortiz residents.

A leaked intelligence report from El Salvador's National Civil Police reveals that, despite a year and a half of anti-gang operations, approximately 43,000 individuals allegedly linked to gangs remain at large. The report, dated Sept. 1, 2023, shows that 36% of these individuals, totaling 42,826, are yet to be apprehended, with over 20,000 being active gang members. President Nayib Bukele's "state of exception" declaration, which suspended constitutional rights to capture alleged criminals, led to the arrest of 72,000 suspected gang members but also raised concerns about human rights abuses. The report highlights discrepancies in the government's narrative, indicating that many detainees are not high-ranking gang leaders. Rights groups question the government's tactics and the mass trials planned for those still in custody.

The increasing number of asylum seekers arriving at the southern U.S. border, driven by violence, poverty, conflict, and climate crisis, is putting immense strain on border communities. Representative Jesús "Chuy" García of Illinois points out that decades of U.S. military interventions, sanctions, and the failed war on drugs have significantly contributed to this migration, especially from South and Central America. He emphasizes the need for a compassionate response and addressing the root causes of migration. Meanwhile, Fernando García, the executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights, highlights the frustrating situation at the border, with repeated crises and inadequate responses. He criticizes the lack of investment in welcoming infrastructure and services for migrants and condemns the political exploitation of the crisis by figures like Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. Both García and García stress the necessity of multilateral cooperation and ending interventionist policies to resolve the ongoing migration challenges.