ICE Raids Transform Barrio Obrero into a "City Under Siege"

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Barrio Obrero, a neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, home to a significant Dominican immigrant community, is in turmoil due to intensified ICE raids following the Trump administration's policies. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the first raid under President Trump's second term occurred on January 26, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 47 individuals, primarily Dominicans, amidst a growing atmosphere of fear. Pastor Nilka Marrero, a community leader, described the shift in the area, stating, "This is a city under siege.”

Since the raids began, over 445 individuals have been detained, with authorities claiming the focus is on those with criminal backgrounds. However, Secretary Sandra Colón from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that only 74 of those arrested had criminal records. Local response efforts include initiatives by the ACLU to provide medical and legal assistance to immigrants, as fear of detainment has severely impacted the community's access to essential services and education. With ongoing raids, residents now find themselves cautious about everyday activities, further straining the already vulnerable immigrant populace.

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Bad Bunny's Music Spotlights Puerto Rican Crested Toad's Plight Amidst Environmental Threats

The Puerto Rican crested toad, an endemic species facing extinction, has gained visibility thanks to the new album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by reggaeton star Bad Bunny. According to experts, the toad, known locally as the sapo concho, primarily inhabits Puerto Rico's dry forest ponds and only emerges during rainy conditions for reproduction. The animal has become a symbol of resistance against ongoing issues such as gentrification, tourism, and climate change, which threaten its habitat. Biologist Rafael Joglar notes that the species was rediscovered in the 1980s after being presumed extinct in certain areas for decades. Its survival is jeopardized by invasive species like the cane toad, as well as urban development that alters its natural environment. Furthermore, climate change poses a direct threat, as the toad is sensitive to temperature changes and contamination. With an estimated population of 500 to 3,000 individuals remaining, raising awareness through popular culture is seen as crucial for conservation efforts, as emphasized by biologists like Sondra Vega.
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Bad Bunny's New Album Shines Spotlight on Endangered Puerto Rican Crested Toad

The Puerto Rican crested toad, endemic to the Caribbean island, has gained fame recently due to its feature in Bad Bunny's new album, "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS." Specialists reveal that this amphibian, often shy and hiding from view, primarily emerges during rainfall to reproduce, and is currently facing threats from climate change, gentrification, and invasive species. According to Rafael Joglar, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, the toad's population is estimated to be between 500 and 3,000 individuals in the wild. The species, known in Spanish as sapo concho, symbolizes resistance to environmental changes caused by tourism and urban sprawl. Biologists Sondra Vega and Joglar emphasize the critical state of the toad, which competes with invasive cane toads for breeding sites and faces habitat loss from rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Bad Bunny's attention to the creature has sparked a public discussion on conservation efforts, with hopes for increased awareness around protecting natural heritage in Puerto Rico.
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7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warnings in Caribbean

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings in several regions. The tremor, recorded by the US Geological Survey at a depth of 10 kilometers, occurred at 6:23 PM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. In response to the earthquake, the US National Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, while the Dominican Republic alerted residents to evacuate coastal areas, advising them to seek higher ground at least 20 meters above sea level. Cuban authorities have also urged people to move away from beachfront locations. Puerto Rico's Governor Jenniffer González Colón is coordinating with emergency agencies despite not recommending a mass evacuation along the coast. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage from neighboring Honduras, although residents have been advised to avoid beaches as a precaution. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated the possibility of tsunami waves reaching up to 3 meters in some locations.
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