Samantha Schmidt

Samantha Schmidt, Bogotá Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, and Alex Avina, an Associate Professor of Latin American history, delve into the complexities of the Trump administration's war on drugs. They explore the controversial military strike on a Venezuelan drug vessel and the designation of gangs as terrorist organizations, raising questions about the legal and moral implications. The discussion also highlights shifting U.S. policies toward Venezuela, the opioid crisis, and the potential repercussions of militarized strategies on local communities in Latin America.

Samantha Schmidt, The Post’s Bogotá bureau chief, shares the harrowing story of Roger Molina, a Venezuelan deportee imprisoned in El Salvador's notorious CECOT. The discussion unveils the appalling conditions inside the megaprison where inmates are stripped of legal rights and isolated from the outside world. Schmidt highlights the dire situation faced by Venezuelan migrants, the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies, and the emotional journey of those seeking asylum amidst severe human rights violations.

Karen DeYoung, Senior National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, and Samantha Schmidt, Mexico City Bureau Chief, explore the turbulent U.S.-Latin America relationship under Trump. They discuss U.S. military actions against Maduro and the precarious tension with Venezuela. The conversation delves into Colombia's shifting dynamics under President Petro, the influence of migration on policies, and America's backing of right-leaning leaders. Together, they unravel the historical context and modern strategies shaping U.S. involvement in the region.