Venezuela Oil Push: The U.S. is reportedly in advanced talks to secure long-term access to Venezuela’s oil reserves, with options discussed including a 100-year lease and a U.S. ownership stake in as many as 17 fields—raising constitutional and oversight concerns as lawmakers are urged to block the “colonial” move. Immigration Enforcement: In Colombia, President Abelardo de la Espriella’s new deportation campaign against people living irregularly is drawing backlash, with Venezuelans expected to be the main target. Border Tensions: The U.S. extended a pause on Big Bend National Park border construction until mid-September after court action, following earlier bulldozing that sparked outrage. Public Safety at the Border: The U.S. military used a high-energy laser to shoot down three cartel-linked drones near the U.S.-Mexico border. Fuel Protests in Bolivia: Violent clashes erupted after Bolivia raised diesel prices for large users, a move tied to an IMF-linked credit package. Data Privacy & Cloud: Brazil’s LGPD enforcement is colliding with China-linked cloud concerns as Alibaba Cloud launches its first South American region in Brazil. Humanitarian & Disaster Response: After major earthquake impacts in Colombia, aid groups and human rights defenders warn that the hardest-hit neighborhoods still need faster, better-targeted support.