Colombia: another church leader killed in targeted attack
A Colombian church leader has been killed in a targeted New Year’s Eve attack, highlighting renewed dangers facing pastors in the country. Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was shot repeatedly by armed attackers while celebrating with his family and later died from his injuries. Members of his congregation described him as a devoted servant who preached peace and lived out his faith with love. He is the eleventh church leader killed in Colombia since November 2024, according to CSW, which warns of rising hostility towards churches. Armed cartels often view pastors as threats because they oppose violence and illegal activity. CSW has urged the Colombian government to address the issue by offering additional protection to church leaders.
USA: ICE agent kills woman observer
Community tensions in Minneapolis have sharply intensified following a fatal shooting by a US immigration agent amid a major surge in enforcement activity. A 37-year-old US citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during an ICE operation, despite video suggesting she was driving away. Federal authorities claimed she was interfering with law enforcement, a statement strongly disputed by witnesses. The incident comes as hundreds of additional immigration officers have been deployed under the Trump administration, particularly targeting immigrant-heavy neighbourhoods. Advocacy groups report widespread fear, reduced work attendance, and growing economic strain as families avoid leaving their homes. Community networks have mobilised rapidly, training observers, tracking ICE vehicles, and providing legal and practical support to those affected. Local officials have condemned the operation, warning that aggressive enforcement is tearing communities apart and escalating violence. Residents now fear the surge represents a new and dangerous normal for the city.
India: opposition party lambasts Modi after Trump raises tariffs
India’s opposition Congress party has criticised Narendra Modi after renewed US warnings linking higher tariffs on Indian exports to continued purchases of Russian oil. Jairam Ramesh argued that a personality-driven foreign policy has failed to shield India from economic pressure. He said highly publicised displays of personal rapport with US leadership have not prevented repeated threats over trade and energy. Congress claims years of diplomacy have delivered few tangible benefits, leaving India vulnerable to sudden shifts in US policy. The criticism comes as Washington increases pressure on countries buying Russian energy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The government insists that purchasing discounted Russian oil is a sovereign decision needed for energy security and compliant with sanctions. While officials highlight strong defence, technology and trade ties with the US, critics warn that overreliance on personal chemistry weakens institutional diplomacy.
Equatorial Guinea: US payment to accept deportees sharply criticised
The US government has made a $7.5 million payment to the government of Equatorial Guinea as it seeks agreements to deport migrants to third countries, prompting sharp criticism from a top Democratic senator. Jeanne Shaheen said the payment, drawn from a migration and refugee assistance fund, raises serious concerns about transparency and proper use of taxpayer money; it far exceeds all US aid given to the country in the past eight years. She questioned whether funds intended for humanitarian crises should be transferred directly to one of the world’s most corrupt governments. The State Department defended the move as part of implementing the Trump administration’s immigration priorities. The payment raises questions about how the government is enmeshing its deportation agenda with other foreign policy goals, as well as the international leaders it is willing to trust. Immigration advocacy groups have called the policy a reckless tactic which violates due process rights and can strand deportees in countries with long histories of human rights violations and corruption.
