From Infobae · · 2m
Nicaraguan Migrants at US Border Rise 55% in 2026
Nicaraguan migrants at US southwest border surged 55% in 2026, triggering deportations and asylum challenges.
In brief
Nicaraguan migrants at US southwest border surged 55% in 2026, triggering deportations and asylum challenges. Nicaraguan migrants at US southwest border increased 55% in 2026, leading to higher deportations and asylum complications. Originally reported by Infobae.
Migrant Border Encounters Surge
Nicaraguan encounters at US southwest border rose 55% between February and August 2026.
Monthly Encounter Peak in July
July recorded the highest monthly encounters with 246 migrants, followed by 218 in August.
Trump Transition Impact
Encounter rates remained below pre-Trump inauguration levels observed in early 2025.
End of Temporary Protection Status
Nicaragua lost Temporary Protected Status on September 8, 2025, after a district court overturned the decision in December 2025.
Deportations Spike in 2026
Over 3,100 Nicaraguan deportations occurred in the first 15 weeks of 2026, up from 600 in the same period of 2025.
Asylum Cases in Orlando
Journalist Luis Galeano, stripped of Nicaraguan citizenship in 2023, was detained in Orlando on September 14, 2026.
Jeffrey Jarquín Deportation
Jeffrey Jarquín, detained for over a year after 2018 protests, was deported to Nicaragua on October 1, 2026.
First African Country Transfer
Three Nicaraguan migrants were transferred to Central African Republic on August 29, 2026, marking the first known transfer to an African country.
Human Rights Risks
Migrants face risks of desprotección due to lack of support networks and cultural barriers in host countries.
Costa Rica as Primary Destination
Costa Rica hosted 207,456 Nicaraguan asylum seekers by October 2025, with 85% being Nicaraguan.
Temporary Migration Category
A two-year temporary migration category with work permission opened for Nicaraguan asylum seekers in September 2026.
Health and Employment Challenges
64% of Nicaraguan women in Costa Rica lacked regular healthcare access, and 25% faced employment barriers.
US Deportation Program End
The US ended its parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan citizens in 2025.
Spain Offers Reassignment
Spain announced 1,200 reassignment spots for Nicaraguan migrants, with 590 allocated to Nicaraguan citizens.
In short
Nicaraguan migrants at US southwest border increased 55% in 2026, leading to higher deportations and asylum complications.
