Tue Nov 19 12:00:00 UTC 2024: ## International News Roundup: Criminal Expansion, Missile Tensions, and Immigration Plans Dominate Headlines

**International Desk** – A wave of international news has broken overnight, covering topics ranging from organized crime to geopolitical tensions and immigration policy.

A Venezuelan prison gang, known as the Tren de Aragua, has expanded its criminal operations across eight countries in the Americas, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, homicide, and human trafficking. Authorities are working to combat the group’s escalating influence.

Geopolitical tensions remain high following Russia’s warning that Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles supplied by the US to strike targets within Russia would constitute direct US involvement in the conflict. This warning comes as sources claim President Biden authorized the use of these weapons.

In immigration news, President-elect Trump’s proposed immigration plan is expected to involve swift action, potentially including a national emergency declaration to facilitate large-scale deportations. Details of the plan are still emerging.

Other significant news includes:

* **Environmental Initiatives:** Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed at the G20 summit that member nations allocate 1% of their military spending to a global reforestation program.
* **US Crime:** The trial continues for José Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant accused of murder and aggravated assault with intent to rape in the death of 22-year-old Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus.
* **Energy Cooperation:** Colombia has resumed electricity exports to Ecuador, easing energy rationing in the latter country.
* **Cybersecurity Concerns:** Two undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been disrupted, raising concerns about potential Russian interference with global infrastructure.
* **Tragedy in Florida:** A headless body found on a Florida beach has been identified as a 19-year-old man who drowned while attempting to rescue his sister.
* **Russian Inflation:** Soaring inflation in Russia has led to supermarkets locking up butter and other essential goods due to rampant theft.
* **Arts and Culture:** Charles Dumont, composer of Edith Piaf’s iconic song “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” passed away at 95.
* **Sports:** Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur received a seven-match ban and a fine for comments made about a teammate.
* **Israel-Iran Conflict:** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that recent attacks damaged a component of Iran’s nuclear program.
* **Climate Change Impacts:** The Amazon River is experiencing the emergence of sand dunes due to the effects of climate change.

These developing stories will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

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