In the first week of his presidency, Donald Trump has enacted a series of aggressive immigration policies targeting Latin American migrants, leading to significant diplomatic tensions and widespread concern across the region.

One of the administration’s initial actions was the suspension of the CBP One application, a tool previously used by asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry. This move has left thousands of migrants in limbo, uncertain about their legal pathways into the United States.

Concurrently, the U.S. has initiated mass deportations, utilizing military aircraft to return migrants to their countries of origin. This approach has been met with resistance. Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused entry to two U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombians, citing concerns over the dignified treatment of migrants. In response, President Trump announced retaliatory measures, including a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and the suspension of visa services in Bogotá.

Mexico has also taken a stand, denying permission for a U.S. military plane carrying deported migrants to land. This decision reflects broader regional apprehension about the U.S.’s deportation tactics and their potential humanitarian implications.

In anticipation of increased deportations, Mexican border states are preparing shelters to accommodate returning migrants. Cities like Ciudad Juárez have erected structures to house deportees, while other border towns are undertaking similar initiatives to manage the expected influx. Brazil has condemned the deportation of 88 of its citizens from the U.S., citing reports of degrading treatment, including passengers being handcuffed during the flight. The deportees, initially bound for Belo Horizonte, were redirected to Manaus due to technical issues, where Brazilian officials intervened to remove the handcuffs. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arranged for a Brazilian Air Force aircraft to complete their journey, emphasizing the need for humane treatment. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded explanations from the U.S., marking escalating tensions amid the recent wave of deportations across Latin America.

The aggressive deportation push has strained U.S. relations with its Latin American neighbors. Many leaders argue that the policy disregards the complexities of migration, including economic hardships and violence driving people to leave their home countries.

Experts predict that this diplomatic fallout could have lasting effects on U.S.-Latin American relations, particularly as countries like Colombia and Brazil reassess their economic and political ties with Washington.

The Virgin Islands government has commenced a public consultation on the rights of access to beneficial ownership information, an initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and aligning with evolving international standards. Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley announced the development during the first press conference of 2025 on January 24.

“Last Friday, the government of the Virgin Islands launched its consultation on the rights of access to beneficial ownership information, marking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to transparency and international collaboration,” stated Premier Wheatley.

The consultation comes in the context of global discussions about publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership. These discussions, particularly between the United Kingdom, its overseas territories, and Crown dependencies, centre on balancing the need for transparency in addressing illicit financial activity with the protection of privacy and prevention of misuse of sensitive information.

Premier Wheatley referenced the recent European Court of Justice ruling, which highlighted the importance of protecting legitimate privacy rights while promoting global transparency efforts. In response, the Virgin Islands is considering a system of access based on legitimate interests, ensuring that access to sensitive information is proportionate and subject to stringent safeguards.

“This shift reflects an evolving understanding of the need to balance transparency and fairness while ensuring that access to sensitive information is purposeful, proportionate, and subject to stringent safeguards,” said Premier Wheatley.

The consultation represents a step towards refining the Virgin Islands’ framework for beneficial ownership information access, in line with international best practices and expectations. It aims to address the challenges associated with implementing a globally consistent approach to beneficial ownership registers.

Premier Wheatley called for stakeholder participation, stating, “Your insights will be vital in shaping a framework that not only addresses the concerns of the global community, but also upholds the integrity of our financial services sector.”

The financial services industry remains a significant contributor to the Virgin Islands’ economy.