U.S. slams visa ban on corrupt, drug-trafficking foreign officials, family members

President Donald Trump’s administration has announced plans to cancel visas of foreign nationals involved in corruption and drug-trafficking, noting that their actions undermine democracy and endanger efforts to combat narcoterrorism.
A Department of State statement on Monday said the visa restriction would also apply to immediate family members of targeted foreigners in Western Hemisphere countries.
“This policy restricts visas for foreign nationals—and their immediate family members—who undermine a democratically elected government through corruption or narcotrafficking activities in our region,” the statement said.
The administration has already imposed a visa ban on 12 Bolivian nationals, including magistrates, lawyers, and judges. Their family members were also issued a corresponding visa restriction.
Rosario Ximena Flores Paniagua, a criminal instruction judge in the Department of Santa Cruz and magistrate Israel Ramiro Campero Mendez were among those affected.
U.S. designated Bolivia’s attorney-general, Roger Mariaca, for soliciting and accepting bribes to facilitate narcotrafficking and helping violent criminals evade justice.
The same policy was implemented in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, where certain individuals were singled out for alleged corruption that undermines democracy.
“President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s message is simple: corrupt officials—and the criminals they protect— are not welcome in the United States,” the statement declared.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

World
UNGA president closes debate, demands justice for Africa
Khalilur Rahman says Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council is a continuing injustice and demands justice for the continent.

Heading 5
Dangote named African Energy Person of Year 2026
The chamber said the Dangote Group is one of the most ambitious industrial conglomerates ever built in Africa.

Rights
NHRC urges MDAs to prioritise human rights action programme
The commission’s executive secretary, Tony Ojukwu, made the call at a two-day training workshop for MDA desk officers on Monday in Lokoja.

World
FIFA president considers huge funding payouts to 211 member associations
The proposal is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council on October 15.

States
Ohanaeze calls on Igbos to unite to chart new course for South-East
The president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, says Igbo should convert their individual successes into a coordinated development agenda.

States
ADC seeks probe of alleged illegal detention of members in Kebbi
Mr Maidoki urged members and supporters of the party to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.





