The United States secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua following negotiations with President Daniel Ortega’s government. These prisoners, including members of a U.S.-based Christian ministry, Catholic laypeople, and students, were released on humanitarian grounds and sent to Guatemala, with the possibility of moving to other countries, including the U.S.

Ortega’s government has been cracking down on political opponents since 2018, arresting critics on charges like conspiracy and treason, and stripping many of their citizenship. The release follows previous expulsions, including 19 Catholic clergy sent to the Vatican and over 200 opposition figures flown to the U.S. last year.

The crackdown has also involved shutting down civil society groups and allegedly committing human rights abuses, such as arbitrary arrests and torture, as reported by the United Nations. Washington continues to pressure Nicaragua to respect human rights.