International News: Surge of violence in Ecuador fuels massive rise in illegal migration to the US

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Thousands of Ecuadorians are fleeing home as the nation continues to suffer from violence.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa imposed a state of emergency and declared the country in a “war” against gangs after the prison escape of Adolfo Macias, a drug kingpin known as “Fito.”

Fito reportedly escaped from prison on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Since then, violence has escalated with an attack on a TV station and an attempted attack at a hospital.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, the most common destination for Ecuadorians is the United States, accounting for 41% of emigrants. The non-partisan think tank notes that the most recent exodus has been catalyzed by an escalation in domestic insecurity.

The Government is attempting to crackdown on gang violence with the State of Emergency which has been in effect since January 9, 2024.

Order has been restored to prisons after days of riots along with the successful release of more than 200 police staff and officers. 

Authorities have seized large amounts of contraband and narcotics from criminal entities.

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