As of February 13, 2026, major world news centers on U.S. immigration crackdowns under President Trump, tensions in the Middle East, the Munich Security Conference, and humanitarian crises in Latin America and the Caribbean.
U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Protests
Federal agents concluded “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after detaining over 4,000 people in sweeps involving ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies; the operations included use of tear gas, pepper spray on protesters (including children), and fatal shootings of two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Prey[2][3]. Protests continue against what demonstrators call “Gestapo” tactics[2]. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to return nearly 140 Venezuelan men from El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, where they were sent without due process under the Alien Enemies Act, despite some having pending U.S. asylum cases[2]. Palestinian activist Laka Cordia was released from hospital but returned to ICE custody in North Texas after her whereabouts were initially withheld[2].
Munich Security Conference
U.S. lawmakers attended amid domestic political crises, including immigration raid controversies and a failed DOJ effort to indict six Democratic lawmakers for a video urging military not to follow “illegal orders”[3]. Democrats like Sens. Mark Kelly and Chris Coons expressed concerns over U.S. actions resembling authoritarianism[3]. Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sec. of State Marco Rubio, and Undersec. of Defense Elbridge Colby, advocated Trump’s policies: pressuring Iran for regime change, pushing Russia for a Ukraine peace deal, and reshaping European security roles[3][4]. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez debuted at the conference, promoting international liberal values against isolationism[3]. Discussions highlighted a shifting “old world order,” U.S. moves on rare earths and energy independence, and global trade fragmentation[4].
Middle East and Epstein-Related Developments
J Street condemned Israeli Cabinet decisions expanding control over the West Bank[1]. Former Norwegian Prime Minister Torbjørn Jagland faces gross corruption charges over Epstein ties after immunity was lifted[2]. Pressure mounts on DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem in Dubai over decades-long Epstein communications[2].
Latin America and Cuba
Two Mexican ships delivered humanitarian aid to Havana amid a UN-warned collapse from Trump’s oil blockade and tightened embargo, causing rising infant mortality[2]. U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright visited Venezuela—the highest-ranking official since Trump’s January military operation abducting President Nicolás Maduro and his wife—meeting interim President Deli Rodriguez to pursue control of Venezuela’s oil[2][4].
Search results provide partial coverage focused on U.S.-centric global events; broader headlines like PBS or Bloomberg segments lack detailed transcripts here[4][5].
