AGP Executive Report

Immigration Pressure on Salvadorans: Religious leaders and advocates are urging the Trump administration to extend Temporary Protected Status for nearly 200,000 Salvadorans, with protections set to end Wednesday; families say they fear separation and loss of work authorization. ICE Enforcement Fallout: In central Pennsylvania, advocates report ICE arrested at least 49 immigrant construction workers in two operations, including men from El Salvador, and kept them in detention. TPS Deadline Anxiety in the U.S.: Coverage from California’s Central Valley highlights Salvadorans bracing for the Sept. 9 TPS cutoff, while others say they’ve received no clear answers. Education Spotlight: El Salvador is highlighted in OECD PISA 2025 results for improving since 2022—gains in science, math, and reading—despite declines across many countries. AI for Investment and Growth: El Salvador unveiled NIX 2, an AI platform aimed at helping investors with market and territorial analysis, as the country pushes tech-led development. Regional Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is touring Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, touting cooperation on security and commerce amid a broader rightward shift in Latin America.

AI Education Expansion: President Nayib Bukele says El Salvador’s AI tutor pilot is now scaling nationwide, with 171 public schools assessed via PISA for Schools and results in reading, math, and science described as comparable to Germany and Sweden; he stresses the “real test begins NOW” as more than 1,000 schools adopt the program and every public school is targeted within 18 months. Teacher Attendance Boost: Bukele adds that teacher attendance in participating schools rose from 76% to 97%, arguing the reform’s impact goes beyond AI alone. Tourism Surge: Surf City El Salvador hits 100% hotel occupancy in El Tunco for the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, drawing 400 surfers from 56 countries. Trade Push: Salvadoran companies showcase exports at F İstanbul 2026 in Turkey, including coffee, honey, cocoa/chocolate, and beverages, as the government seeks new buyers. Immigration Pressure in the U.S.: Salvadorans face uncertainty as TPS is set to expire Sept. 9, with lawmakers urging extensions to avoid mass disruption. Public Safety/Crime: A California judge ordered release of an MS-13 suspect dubbed “the witch,” wanted in El Salvador, after criticizing ICE’s handling of danger and flight-risk determinations.

Immigration Pressure on Salvadorans: With TPS set to expire Sept. 9, Salvadorans in the U.S.—including many in Maryland—are bracing for possible deportations as lawmakers push to extend protection for more than 170,000 people. Public Safety Court Fight: A Biden-appointed judge ordered ICE to release an MS-13 member wanted in El Salvador on an aggravated-murder warrant, saying the agency failed to make an individualized determination of danger or flight risk. Education Upgrade with AI: President Nayib Bukele says an AI-supported pilot in 171 Salvadoran public schools produced reading, math, and science results comparable to Germany and Sweden, based on PISA for Schools testing of 1,198 students. Tourism Boom in Surf City: El Tunco hit 100% hotel occupancy as Surf City El Salvador hosts the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, drawing 400 surfers from 56 countries. Trade Push to Turkey: Salvadoran companies showcased exports at F İstanbul 2026, including coffee, honey, cocoa/chocolate, and alcoholic beverages, aiming to win new buyers. Weather Warning for the Region: The UN warns El Niño could intensify into a “supersized” event lasting until February, with drought and food insecurity risks hitting Central America, including El Salvador.

MS-13 Release Fight: A Biden-appointed California judge ordered ICE to release MS-13 member David Antonio Aviles-Perez, saying five months of detention without an individualized danger or flight-risk review violated due process, drawing sharp DHS criticism. Price Watch at Ports: El Salvador’s Consumer Protection Agency stepped up inspections at Acajutla Port to confirm ample reserves of corn and rice and warn against unjustified retail price hikes. Investment Rules Shift: El Salvador eased foreign investment requirements, approving corporate expansions totaling $503.8M and projecting 2,200 specialized jobs as tax incentives expand for big investors. Digital Banking Boom: Interbank transfers surged to $5.76B in H1 2026, powered by Transfer365’s 24/7 zero-fee payments system. Tourism Surge: El Salvador hit 3.24M international visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 22%, bringing $2.88B in tourism revenue. Bitcoin Governance Clarified: The IMF said El Salvador’s recent bitcoin accumulation came from private donations, while President Bukele denied any transfer of the strategic reserve, saying only Chivo shares were privatized. Education With AI: A PISA for Schools assessment found AI-tutor pilot students in 171 public schools scored above national averages and near Germany/Sweden levels. Migration Pressure Abroad: Reports highlighted deportations and family separations tied to U.S. enforcement, including children sent to Guatemala after parents were removed.

Concacaf Champions Cup: Club León booked its spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup with a 1-0 Leagues Cup third-place win over Club América, returning to the tournament after missing the 2025 edition due to shared ownership rules. El Salvador Tourism Boom: El Salvador is drawing record crowds, with 4.1 million international visitors in 2025 and strong 2026 momentum, pushing tourism to about 11%-12% of GDP and driving record passenger traffic at SAL. Education Tech in El Salvador: An OECD PISA for Schools assessment says El Salvador’s AI-assisted education pilot is producing results comparable to Sweden and Germany, and the program is scaling from 171 to 1,000+ schools. Bitcoin Reserve Clash: President Nayib Bukele denied reports that El Salvador transferred its strategic bitcoin reserve to a private operator, saying only Chivo shares were privatized. Immigration Pressure on Salvadorans: U.S. coverage highlights uncertainty for Salvadorans as TPS timelines near, while ICE and courts continue to clash over detention and releases. Regional Deportation Deals: Guyana agreed to temporarily receive a limited number of vetted deportees from the U.S., underscoring the wider “third-country” deportation trend.

U.S.-Backed Crackdown on Crime: A new report warns the Trump-era Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition is expanding U.S. military activity across Latin America, with strikes on suspected traffickers and deeper ties to regional forces—raising fears of a return to coercive Washington-style security. El Salvador Bitcoin Row: President Nayib Bukele denied El Salvador transferred its strategic Bitcoin reserve to private hands, saying only Chivo wallet shares were moved, while the sovereign reserve remains government-controlled. Immigration Fallout for Salvadorans: In the U.S., ICE lodged a detainer in a deadly wrong-way crash in Maryland that killed a mother and daughter; the driver is identified as an El Salvadoran in the country illegally. Education Tech in El Salvador: El Salvador’s AI education pilot is showing early gains, with participating schools scoring near PISA 2022 averages of Sweden and Germany, as the program expands. Regional Migration Deals: Guyana agreed to temporarily receive a limited number of vetted deportees from the U.S., with case-by-case review and no permanent resettlement.

MS-13 Release Sparks Outrage: A Biden-appointed California judge ordered ICE to free “the witch,” an MS-13 member wanted for murder in El Salvador, after ruling he was held without a bond hearing or individualized danger check—prompting DHS to accuse sanctuary-style politics of putting Americans at risk. TPS Deadline Looms for Salvadorans: With Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador set to end Sept. 9, thousands in the U.S. face uncertainty, while advocates warn the loss will ripple through families, jobs, and local communities. Bitcoin Reserve Dispute: President Nayib Bukele denied El Salvador transferred its strategic Bitcoin reserve to private parties, saying only Chivo wallet shares moved under an IMF-linked arrangement; the IMF says majority control shifted to a private operator while the state keeps a minority stake and custody. El Niño Hits Region’s Trade: The Panama Canal began cutting daily transits due to drought tied to El Niño, with El Salvador among countries declaring emergencies. Local Ties & Education Tech: San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora held consultations with cities including El Salvador and signed sisterhood cooperation; separately, El Salvador’s AI education pilot is reported to be producing results comparable to PISA benchmarks.

Bitcoin & IMF Fallout: President Nayib Bukele pushed back hard on claims El Salvador transferred its strategic Bitcoin reserve to private parties, saying only Chivo wallet shares changed hands—not the reserve itself—after the IMF said majority ownership and operational control of Chivo moved to a private operator while the government kept a minority stake and custodial duties for customer assets. IMF Clarification on Funding: The IMF also confirmed El Salvador’s Bitcoin growth since June 2025 came from private donations, not public money, and said no further accumulation beyond documented donations is expected. Security Cooperation: El Salvador’s security leadership met Chile’s President José Antonio Kast to strengthen bilateral defense and intelligence sharing against transnational organized crime, highlighting Bukele-era approaches. El Niño Disruptions: The Panama Canal began cutting daily ship transits from 36 to 32 due to drought tied to El Niño, with Central America already declaring emergencies, including El Salvador. TPS Deadline Pressure: In the U.S., Salvadorans face uncertainty as Temporary Protected Status is set to end Sept. 9, with thousands bracing for loss of work authorization and travel stability. Human Cost of Immigration Enforcement: A wrong-way DUI crash in Maryland killed a mother and daughter; federal officials say the accused driver is an El Salvador national in the U.S. illegally and ICE lodged a detainer.

TPS Deadline for Salvadorans: U.S. Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans is set to expire Sept. 9, leaving more than 170,000 people nationwide facing possible loss of work authorization and deportation protection. IMF on Bitcoin: The IMF says El Salvador’s bitcoin accumulation since its last review came from private donations, not public money, and that no further accumulation beyond documented donations is expected—an update tied to a potential $140M funding unlock. Wrong-Way DUI Case in Maryland: ICE lodged a detainer after a wrong-way, alcohol-related crash on I-270 killed a mother and daughter; the accused driver, Jose Antonio Caballero-Nolasco, is from El Salvador and is described as in the U.S. illegally. Border Rescue in Texas: Border Patrol rescued eight people, including a child, trapped in a freight rail car near Knippa, with temperatures near 100 degrees. U.S.-Backed Security Moves: U.S. Southern Command announced sustained operations in Ecuador and Colombia, including sinking fishing boats and setting up a more permanent joint command approach. El Niño Disruptions: The Panama Canal began reducing daily transits due to drought tied to El Niño, with Central America already declaring emergencies.

IMF & Bitcoin: The IMF says El Salvador’s recent Bitcoin reserve growth came from private donations, not public funds, and that no further accumulation is expected beyond what’s documented—unlocking a staff-level deal that could free about $140M once the IMF board signs off. U.S.-El Salvador legal pressure: A federal judge ordered DHS to explain how a teen asylum seeker was deported to El Salvador despite court protections, demanding details on who authorized the transfer and what systems failed. Security cooperation: El Salvador is deepening anti-organized-crime ties with Argentina and Chile, sharing results from its “Bukele model” and coordinating operational expertise. Economy & growth: The IMF highlights stronger investor confidence and a projected 4.5% El Salvador growth for 2026, tied to security gains, investment, remittances, and tourism. Surf City spotlight: El Salvador will host the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship with 11 local surfers competing against athletes from 56 countries. Weather risk: El Niño is expected to persist and intensify, with warnings of worsening drought and extreme weather across Central America.

IMF Deal Watch: El Salvador won a major boost as the IMF reached a staff-level agreement for about $140M in aid tied to the country’s second and third reviews under its Extended Fund Facility, with growth projected at 4.5% for 2026. Housing Push: The Bukele administration says social housing funding has surged past $1.1B, helping more than 49,000 families and nearly 200,000 people, alongside reclaimed properties and new credits. Surf City Spotlight: El Salvador kicked off the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026, bringing 428 athletes from 56 delegations to La Libertad through Sept. 13. Climate Risk: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is likely to strengthen further into 2027, raising the odds of drought, flooding, and food pressure across the region. Food Security: El Salvador is expanding corn and bean production to stabilize prices and strengthen supply, using higher-yield seeds and better planning. Court Update: A U.S. appeals court upheld a deportation order for a Salvadoran father, rejecting his claim that removal would cause extraordinary hardship for his U.S.-citizen children. Local Health Aid: A Cuban chapter of the Schafik Handal Center donated 250 pounds of medicines and surgical supplies to an El Salvador clinic serving tens of thousands.

El Salvador Security & Travel: The U.S. State Department upgraded El Salvador to a Level 1 travel advisory, citing a sharp drop in gang violence and homicides since 2022, while Sweden remains at Level 2 for terrorism concerns. Bitcoin & Money Moves: El Salvador says its sovereign Bitcoin reserve has reached 7,762 BTC, continuing a daily purchase plan despite IMF pressure; a Cornell study also finds Bitcoin ownership is highest in El Salvador, Venezuela, and Nigeria, often driven by currency instability and limited dollar access. Food Security: El Salvador is boosting corn and bean production to stabilize prices, using higher-yield seeds and coordinated imports to protect consumers. Football Business: FESFUT and Ogilvy El Salvador are teaming up to modernize the sport’s commercial, digital, and fan engagement strategy. Urban Development: Antiguo Cuscatlán’s TREVO project launches with $80 million in investment and about 2,000 jobs. Community & Youth: El Salvador secured hosting of the VI Pan American U-18 Women’s Softball Championship and sent a 502-member student delegation to the Codicader Central American Games. Health Update: A newborn transferred from Guatemala to El Salvador after a critical prognosis is now showing encouraging recovery.

Bitcoin & Remittances: El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office says the national reserve climbed to 7,762 BTC, worth about $598 million at current prices, even as the IMF urged limits on public purchases. Crypto Education: Casa Bitcoin is rolling out hands-on Lightning Network training so people can learn everyday Bitcoin payments, not just speculation. Adoption Snapshot: Cornell’s Bitcoin Adoption Index finds El Salvador leads the world in people who’ve ever owned Bitcoin, with Venezuela and Nigeria close behind. Fintech Growth: Félix Pago raised $200 million to scale WhatsApp-based cross-border transfers and expand into lending and savings for Latinos in the U.S. Tourism & Inclusion: The IDB and El Salvador are pushing a senior-friendly tourism and workforce plan, while the country also secured hosting of the VI Pan American U-18 Women’s Softball Championship. Immigration Legal Aid: In the U.S., advocates say funding cuts are leaving immigrant children to face court without lawyers, including cases tied to El Salvador TPS concerns.

El Salvador Digital Assets: The CNAD says El Salvador added 233 new tokens to its state registry in 2026, including tokenized shares tied to Apple, Microsoft and Walmart—another push to deepen its regulated crypto and tokenization ecosystem. Regional Economy & Industry: Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) acquired the Cementos Fortaleza plant in Acajutla, boosting regional cement capacity by 350,000 metric tons a year and strengthening supply across Central America and the Caribbean. Tourism With Skills Training: The Tourism Ministry partnered with Waved to launch a three-month Surf City pilot at Punta Mango in Jucuarán, combining ocean safety, marine conservation, English and life-skills for 94 students. Science & Education: Four Salvadoran students were selected for the Ibero-American Biology Olympiad in São Paulo, joining an elite 16-country delegation. Civic Celebrations: El Salvador kicked off Civic Month at the National Palace to begin the 205th Central American Independence festivities, linking public safety with civic freedom. US Immigration Impact on Salvadorans: A Salvadoran man accused in Virginia of killing a co-worker allegedly acted after she exposed an affair to his girlfriend, according to a witness.

Civic Calendar Kicks Off: El Salvador launched its 205th Central American Independence Civic Month at the National Palace, with Vice President Félix Ulloa stressing that independence is an ongoing responsibility tied to public safety and modern leadership. Surf City Youth Pilot: The Tourism Ministry partnered with Panama-based Waved to start a three-month Surf City pilot at Punta Mango in Jucuarán, training 94 students in ocean safety, marine conservation, English support, and life skills through surfing. Regional Cement Deal: Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) bought Cementos Fortaleza’s Acajutla plant, adding 350,000 tons of annual capacity and expanding its footprint across Central America and the Caribbean. Digital Assets Push: El Salvador’s CNAD added 233 tokenized assets to its state registry in 2026, including tokenized shares tied to Apple, Microsoft, and Walmart. Science Talent Abroad: Four Salvadoran students were selected for the Ibero-American Biology Olympiad in São Paulo, representing El Salvador through the Jóvenes Talento program. Immigration Pressure in the US: ICE reported record-level arrests, while a federal judge blocked a Virginia sanctuary cooperation law—developments that keep TPS and deportation fears front and center for Salvadorans.

Economy Watch: El Salvador’s Central Reserve Bank raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5%–5%, citing momentum in construction, industry, and tourism, while the IVAE showed 5.2% growth in June. Energy Security: ETESAL says the grid won’t face rationing despite a 34% hydro drop tied to El Niño, pointing to LNG and thermal generation filling the gap. Tourism Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveler named El Imposible National Park one of its seven “wonders” to visit in 2026, boosting the country’s ecotourism profile. Regional Food Crisis: Oxfam warns El Niño is driving severe crop failures in the Dry Corridor, with most corn and bean households reporting major losses and shrinking water access. TPS Pressure on Salvadorans in the U.S.: A new op-ed urges the Trump administration to extend TPS for more than 200,000 Salvadorans as the Sept. 9 deadline nears, warning families are stuck in limbo. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: Reports highlight continued ICE detention expansion and renewed scrutiny of deportation practices, including cases involving Salvadorans. Business & Industry: Grupo Estrella acquired Cementos Fortaleza in El Salvador, expanding cement operations across the region.