Daniel Ortega, who has ruled Nicaragua since 2007, has shifted his approach towards the United States following the fall of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Maintaining some anti-imperialist rhetoric, Ortega has released political prisoners, appointed a new charge d'affaires in Washington, and reinstated a visa requirement for citizens of 128 countries, many of whom traditionally used Managua as a transit point to the US. This is seen as a response to pressures from the Trump administration regarding irregular migration.

The reinstatement of the visa requirement on February 13 is notable as it includes countries from Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, exemplifying a broader shift in Nicaragua's immigration policy. There is speculation that these actions signify a desire for negotiation with the US, which many experts believe is motivated by Ortega's need to secure international legitimacy and economic aid. The move is also strategically timed in the context of the region's political landscape following challenges faced by Maduro.

This political recalibration may have significant implications for Nicaragua's relations with both the US and its neighbors. By softening his stance, Ortega could reshape perceptions of his government, influence migration patterns, and potentially enhance diplomatic and economic ties that have been strained. The changes also represent a responsive maneuver to the dynamics of power in Latin America, as Ortega navigates the pressures posed by both internal dissent and external demands for reform.