The United States has taken a punitive stance towards Nicaragua by imposing visa restrictions on a significant number of Nicaraguan government officials, ranging from police and paramilitary officials to prosecutors, judges, and public higher education individuals. This measure was taken in response to what the US considers as repressive actions by the Nicaraguan government and a failure to address migrant smuggling issues through the country, particularly affecting migration towards the US-Mexico border.

Additionally, the US Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have issued a joint alert warning airlines and travel agents about the exploitation of legitimate transportation services by smuggling and human trafficking networks to facilitate illegal migration to the United States via Nicaragua. By targeting specific entities within Nicaragua, such as a Russian training center and government-affiliated gold companies, the US is aiming to disrupt entities that are allegedly enabling anti-democratic behavior, repression, and manipulation within the country, particularly in the context of migration and gold exports.

The Biden administration, in its struggle with record numbers of migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border, is taking action against Nicaragua amidst concerns over immigration policies and the involvement of external entities in the country. The sanctions imposed by the US on Nicaraguan officials and entities, coupled with increased enforcement efforts by Mexican authorities, have contributed to a notable decrease in migrant apprehensions at the border. These recent developments underscore the complex dynamics at play in the region, where migration, international partnerships, and geopolitical influences intersect.