AGP Executive Report

Immigration Oversight in New Jersey: New Jersey launched a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, a privately run ICE detention center in Newark operated by GEO Group, after multiple detainee deaths and allegations of poor medical care; the state Division on Civil Rights issued subpoenas and will examine whether staff actions or inaction violated detainees’ rights to humane treatment and adequate medical care. Colombia’s Right-Wing Turn: Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president, pledging “all-out war” on armed groups and drug traffickers, building mega-prisons, and reviving the oil-and-gas sector, with close alignment to the U.S. El Salvador Crypto Strategy: El Salvador continues its sovereign Bitcoin accumulation, buying 1 BTC daily as part of its broader cryptocurrency strategy, with holdings now reported around 7,700 BTC. Local Business & Payments: El Salvador’s authorities urged businesses to accept electronic payments under the banking law, pushing wider digital transactions. Tourism & Brand Positioning: A look at how The Bahamas can market itself to Europeans beyond Nassau—positioning the archipelago as a multi-island journey—while El Salvador’s own tourism growth themes keep showing up in regional comparisons.

Bitcoin Strategy: El Salvador’s government continues its steady daily Bitcoin purchase, adding to a reserve of roughly 7,734 BTC (about $500M), even after IMF-linked changes removed BTC’s legal-tender status. Local Economy & Payments: El Salvador’s authorities are pushing businesses to adopt electronic payments under the banking law, aiming to modernize commerce and reduce cash friction. Public Security & Regional Politics: Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, was sworn in after a narrow win, promising hardline security and a revival of oil-and-gas, with his approach drawing comparisons to El Salvador’s Bukele-era model. Immigration & Human Rights (El Salvador link): In New Jersey, state civil rights officials opened an investigation into ICE’s Delaney Hall after the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, an El Salvadoran detainee, raising renewed scrutiny of private detention conditions. Food Safety: Health alerts highlight rising foodborne illness risk, including guidance to avoid certain iceberg lettuce tied to outbreaks.

Bitcoin Policy: El Salvador keeps stacking sats with a strict “1 BTC per day” purchase since Nov. 17, 2022, reaching about 7,734 BTC (roughly $500M) by early August, with the National Bitcoin Office overseeing daily buys even after IMF-linked changes removed Bitcoin’s legal-tender status. Digital Payments & Compliance: Salvadoran municipal authorities urged all businesses to accept electronic payments under the banking law, warning that refusal can trigger fines and, for repeat cases, temporary closure. Security Cooperation: Colombia’s incoming leadership says it will study El Salvador’s crime-fighting and prison reforms, including extortion crackdowns and penitentiary changes, and also plans a binational business council to boost trade and investment. Climate & Food Risk: The World Food Programme warns El Niño could push 49M more people into acute hunger by end-2027, with Central America facing the biggest proportional hit. Crypto Infrastructure: UNDP is moving blockchain from pilots to real public digital infrastructure, focusing on governance and trust for uses like digital identity and payments.

Digital Payments Push: El Salvador’s municipality authorities urged all businesses to accept electronic payments under the banking law, warning that “partial cash” excuses can trigger fines or even temporary closure. Security Cooperation: Colombia’s incoming leadership says it will study El Salvador’s crime-fighting and prison reforms, including extortion tactics and penitentiary changes, and also plans a binational business council to boost trade and investment. Tech Diplomacy: El Salvador is seeking government-to-government agreements with South Korea on digital identity, AI governance, and cybersecurity to unlock investment and faster public-sector projects. Energy & Investment: IRENA highlights Latin America’s geothermal potential (up to 70 GW, with under 6% developed), pointing to El Salvador’s geothermal role in electricity generation and resilience. Food Security Risk: WFP warns El Niño could push 49 million more people into acute hunger by end-2027, with Central America facing the steepest proportional hit. Crypto Infrastructure: Tether’s Hadron platform is set to expand into Saudi Arabia for tokenized real estate, signaling continued growth of tokenization infrastructure.

Digital Payments Push: El Salvador’s municipal authorities warned self-employed businesses that they must accept electronic payments under banking rules, saying “partial cash” excuses can trigger fines or even temporary closure. Digital Identity Diplomacy: El Salvador is seeking government-to-government cooperation with South Korea on digital identity, AI governance, and cybersecurity to unlock investment and faster public-sector tech adoption. Crypto & Trading Infrastructure: Bitget Wallet launched a solver partner program for intent-based trading, aiming to improve execution across major protocols and chains as decentralized spot trading keeps rising. Energy & Power Markets: IRENA highlighted Latin America’s large but underused geothermal potential, noting El Salvador’s geothermal already supplies about a fifth of electricity and supports local economic activity. Local Business Culture: A feature on a Salvadoran food truck family in the U.S. ties entrepreneurship to community roots and education. Immigration Backdrop (US): Coverage continues around deaths and oversight pressure at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall ICE facility, including a Salvadoran detainee’s death and calls for closure.

El Salvador–Korea Tech Push: El Salvador’s newly appointed ambassador to South Korea says the next step is practical cooperation on digital identity, AI governance and cybersecurity, aiming to unlock Korean investment and “digital talent” exchanges. Energy & Industry: IRENA highlights Latin America’s geothermal potential at up to 70 GW, with El Salvador cited for using geothermal for about 21% of electricity generation and broader economic uses like food processing and agriculture. Crypto Business: Bitget Wallet X launched a solver partner program to boost intent-based trading execution, citing record decentralized spot trading share and a need for more scalable execution capacity. EV Market Signal: A regional EV report says Latin America’s EV market share hit 10.7% in Q2, with BEVs growing faster than PHEVs. Local Travel/Connectivity: Air France will add a new nonstop Caribbean route between Guadeloupe and Panama City starting Dec. 2026, with connections including San Salvador. Immigration Shock With Local Impact: Multiple reports focus on the death of Salvadoran Edwin Lopez-Cornejo in New Jersey ICE custody and renewed calls for independent investigation and better medical care. Green Groups Under Pressure: A crackdown on NGOs is reported to be stifling Salvadoran environmental groups, raising concerns for civil society space.

Immigration Detention Scrutiny: The ACLU of New Jersey sent ICE a formal letter on Aug. 5 demanding changes to visitation practices at Delaney Hall after the death of Salvadoran detainee Edwin Jovanny López Cornejo, 39, who died Aug. 1 following a medical emergency; his family says he wasn’t getting his diabetes, blood pressure, and seizure medications consistently, while ICE says he received proper care. Family Demands Answers: López Cornejo’s mother and attorneys are pushing for an independent probe and the release of medical records, as protests renew calls to close the Newark facility run by GEO Group. Crypto Market Tech: Bitget Wallet launched an execution infrastructure program for “solvers” under its Wallet X initiative, aiming to improve intent-based trading execution across major protocols. Food Security Risk: The UN World Food Programme warned El Niño could worsen hunger for 18+ million people in East and Southern Africa, with an added 49 million facing acute food insecurity by 2027. Regional Trade/Geopolitics: A U.S. Senate hearing-linked report says Colombia’s incoming president plans to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a shift toward Washington.

Immigration & Human Rights: A Salvadoran man, Edwin López-Cornejo (41), died in ICE custody at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall after a reported medical emergency, reigniting protests over detention conditions and access to medication; ICE says he received proper care, while family and advocates dispute that and demand records and accountability. US Citizenship Crackdown: The U.S. Department of Justice filed denaturalization actions targeting 25 foreign-born people, including Africans and an Indian-origin man accused of fraud and violent crimes, as Acting AG Todd Blanche says citizenship must be obtained lawfully and honestly. El Salvador–US Migration Pressure: TPS holders from El Salvador in the U.S. say they face an uncertain future as protections unwind, with advocates warning of broader labor and community impacts. Regional Business & Trade: Central American and Dominican private-sector groups agreed to restart a common agenda focused on trade, investment facilitation, legal certainty, and ties with the United States, including AI and talent development. Aviation & Mobility: A 17-year-old Salvadoran pilot student, Ruben Trejos Jr., completed a solo international flight from El Salvador to Belize, highlighting growing aviation training and connectivity. Mining: San Lorenzo Gold named a new CEO and outlined an exploration update at its Salvadora copper-gold project in Chile, near major regional assets.

ICE Custody Death in NJ: A 41-year-old Salvadoran, Edwin López-Cornejo, died at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, with ICE citing a “medical emergency” and saying the cause is pending, while his mother alleges he wasn’t consistently given medication for diabetes and high blood pressure—renewing calls to shut the privately run facility. Immigration Crackdown Scrutiny: The Delaney Hall deaths are unfolding amid broader U.S. enforcement escalation, including reports of ICE using social media monitoring and a surge in arrests nationwide. El Salvador Sovereign Bonds: El Salvador’s sovereign bonds showed broad positive price movement as President Nayib Bukele reiterated confidence in the economy, with the government leaning on fiscal stability and investor-friendly reforms. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador, prioritizing submissions before Sept. 1. Mining Update: San Lorenzo Gold announced a leadership change and exploration progress at its Salvadora property in Chile, near major copper-gold assets.

El Salvador Sovereign Bonds: President Nayib Bukele shared data showing broad gains across El Salvador’s sovereign bonds, reinforcing investor attention on the country’s fiscal and growth outlook. US–El Salvador Tech Partnership: Bukele met Ben Black of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to expand cooperation on infrastructure and technology, with security progress cited as a key factor for attracting investors. Digital Assets & Crypto Regulation: The U.S. “Clarity Act” faces an uncertain path, with analysts warning comprehensive crypto rules may be harder to pass in 2026. Tokenized Gold in El Salvador: Tether Gold (XAUT), issued under El Salvador’s digital asset framework, reported 9.5% growth in client holdings in Q2 2026 despite a gold price drop. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A Salvadoran detainee, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall, renewing calls to investigate conditions at the privately run ICE facility. US Denaturalization Push: DOJ filed record denaturalization cases against 25 naturalized citizens, including allegations tied to fraud and serious crimes. Regional Security Exercise: El Salvador is among 21 countries taking part in Panama’s Panamax 2026 drills focused on protecting the Panama Canal.

Digital Assets & Markets: Tether Gold (XAUT) grew client holdings 9.5% in Q2 2026 even as gold prices fell 14.1%, ending the quarter with 612,823.66 tokens backed 1:1 by physical reserves (707,747.139 fine troy ounces), keeping XAUT as the largest tokenized gold product by market cap. Trade & Exports: El Salvador’s merchandise exports hit US$3.401B in the first half of 2026, up 4% in value and 10% in volume, with record sales in 16 international markets. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Europa will launch direct flights between San Salvador and Madrid starting this December, aiming to boost tourism, business travel, diaspora links, and investment. Tourism & Local Business: The government-backed Art & Design Festival at Cerro Verde showcased Salvadoran brands via SMODA, highlighting artisan exports and the link between improved security and cultural tourism. Policy & Global Context: El Salvador co-chaired a UN Global Dialogue on AI governance, pushing for safe, inclusive AI shaped by developing countries. Security & Crime Narrative: A report argues Latin America’s trend of militarizing public security can backfire, citing El Salvador as an example of risks alongside potential short-term gains.

El Salvador Exports: Merchandise exports hit US$3.401B in the first half of 2026, up 4% in value and 10% in volume, with record performance across 16 international markets—a sign the country’s trade push is broadening beyond traditional destinations. Air Connectivity: El Salvador signed an agreement bringing Air Europa to the route network, starting direct flights from San Salvador to Madrid this December, aimed at boosting tourism, diaspora travel, and business links with Europe. Investment & Energy: Invenergy and Energía del Pacífico opened new offices in El Salvador, underscoring investor confidence; Invenergy’s natural gas generation supplies over 30% of national electricity demand. Tourism & Local Business: The government showcased Salvadoran design and entrepreneurship at the Cerro Verde Art & Design Festival, highlighting CONAMYPE’s SMODA platform and its push to get artisan brands exporting. Crypto Payments: Bitget Wallet launched an “asset cashback” card that converts rewards into Bitcoin, gold, or tokenized stocks/ETFs, positioning everyday spending as portfolio-building.

El Salvador Exports Surge: Merchandise exports hit US$3.401 billion in the first half of 2026, up 4% in value and 10% in volume, with record performance across 16 international markets. Air Connectivity Boost: El Salvador signed an agreement bringing Air Europa to launch direct flights from San Salvador to Madrid starting this December, aiming to lift tourism, business travel, and investment links with Europe. Tourism & Public Spaces: The government is upgrading major parks and visitor sites ahead of the August holiday season, including Apulo Recreational Park, Costa del Sol Recreational Park, and Cerro Verde Natural Park, with an emphasis on improved security and visitor experience. Energy Investment Signal: Invenergy and Energía del Pacífico opened new offices in El Salvador, underscoring long-term confidence as natural gas power supplies over 30% of national electricity demand. Business Promotion Abroad: El Salvador pushed its investment story in California through Goodlife El Salvador at the Surf City Business & Investment Hub, pitching real estate and tourism opportunities to U.S. investors. SME & Design Push: The Cerro Verde Art & Design Festival highlighted Salvadoran creativity via SMODA/CONAMYPE, with officials citing strong export momentum for new brands.

Exports & Markets: El Salvador’s merchandise exports hit US$3.401B in the first half of 2026, up 4% in value and 10% in volume, with record performance across 16 international markets. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Air Europa will launch direct flights from San Salvador to Madrid starting this December, a move aimed at boosting tourism, business travel, and investment links with Europe. SME & Creative Industry: The Bukele administration highlighted Salvadoran design and craftsmanship at the Cerro Verde Art & Design Festival, backed by CONAMYPE’s SMODA platform, with many brands moving quickly into export markets. Energy Investment: Invenergy and Energía del Pacífico opened new offices in El Salvador, reaffirming long-term support; Invenergy’s gas-fired generation supplies over 30% of national electricity demand. Public Infrastructure for Visitors: The government is upgrading major parks and recreation sites for the August holiday season, citing improved security and longer hours to draw more local and international visitors. Crypto & Payments: Bitget Wallet Card launched Assetback, turning eligible card purchases into cashback converted into Bitcoin, gold, or tokenized stocks/ETFs. Trade Policy Watch: New U.S. Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 countries took effect, a reminder of how quickly external trade rules can shift costs for regional exporters.

Tourism & Investment Push: El Salvador is courting U.S. capital with Goodlife El Salvador at Huntington Beach’s Surf City Business & Investment Hub, pitching real estate and tourism projects to entrepreneurs and investors. Energy Security: Invenergy and Energía del Pacífico opened new offices in El Salvador, reaffirming long-term support for a natural-gas power setup that supplies over 30% of national electricity demand. Infrastructure & Travel Demand: El Salvador International Airport hit a record 3 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, alongside 22.5 million kg of cargo, as CEPA points to 16% annual growth and expects a strong August holiday surge. Public Spaces for the Economy: The government is upgrading major parks and terminals ahead of the August holidays, adding safer facilities and enhanced security to draw more local and international visitors. Environment & Ecotourism: The Environment Ministry launched “Green Passport” and “Outdoor Classrooms” to turn protected areas into learning hubs, starting at Ramsar-listed Barra de Santiago. Crypto & Finance: Bitget Wallet introduced “Assetback,” letting users earn up to 3% cashback in Bitcoin, gold, or tokenized stocks/ETFs via the Bitget Wallet Card.

Tourism & Investment Push: El Salvador is pitching Surf City as a real estate and investment destination in Huntington Beach through Goodlife El Salvador, aiming to convert international interest into new projects. Public Works for Visitors: The government is upgrading major parks and adding enhanced security ahead of the August holidays, including Apulo Recreational Park, Costa del Sol, San Sebastián terminal areas, and Cerro Verde. Energy Sector Confidence: Invenergy and Energía del Pacífico opened new offices in El Salvador, reiterating long-term commitment; Invenergy’s gas-fired generation supplies over 30% of national electricity demand. Crypto & Consumer Finance: Bitget Wallet Card launched “Assetback,” turning eligible card cashback into Bitcoin, gold, or tokenized stocks/ETFs. Trade Policy Shockwaves: The U.S. imposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 countries, while Trump also signed a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface imports. Bitcoin Reserves Watch: Analysts say El Salvador’s BTC holdings could surpass $1B by end-2026 if daily accumulation continues. Air Connectivity Milestone: El Salvador’s airport topped 3 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, with cargo also hitting record momentum.