Canada Commences Black History Month, Highlighting Intergenerational Black Brilliance
Canada officially marks the beginning of Black History Month, dedicating February to celebrating the profound contributions and achievements of Black Canadians. The 2026 theme, '30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries,' emphasizes both historical legacies and future aspirations. Government initiatives and community events nationwide will underscore this period of reflection and celebration.
Paris Protests Erupt After Mauritian Migrant's Death in Police Custody
Thousands have protested in Paris following the death of 35-year-old Mauritian migrant worker El Hacen Diarra in police custody on January 14. Videos show a violent arrest, prompting calls for justice and an investigation into alleged police brutality.
Mexico City Witnesses Multiple Protests on January 25, 2026, Addressing Diverse Social and Political Issues
Mexico City experienced a day of widespread civic engagement on January 25, 2026, with various groups conducting marches and concentrations. Protesters voiced concerns over animal welfare, justice for the disappeared, fair concert ticket pricing, and solidarity with Palestine, leading to significant mobilizations across key areas of the capital.
Federal Agents Fatally Shoot ICU Nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis Amid Immigration Operation
Federal agents fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident, the second fatal shooting by federal agents in the city this month, has sparked protests and calls for investigation, with conflicting accounts from authorities and eyewitnesses.
ICE Detainee's Death in Texas Ruled Homicide by Autopsy
The death of 55-year-old Cuban immigrant Geraldo Lunas Campos in ICE custody at Camp East Montana, El Paso, has been officially ruled a homicide. The autopsy cited asphyxia due to neck and torso compression, contradicting initial ICE statements.
DOJ Launches Investigation into Anti-ICE Protest at St. Paul Church
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal and civil rights investigation following an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protesters targeted the church due to allegations that one of its pastors, David Easterwood, leads a local ICE field office.
Sydney Protesters Vow to Defy Potential Bans for January 26 'Invasion Day' March
Protesters in Sydney are planning to march on January 26, known as 'Invasion Day,' despite potential bans under new NSW protest laws. This follows a recent standoff at a rally where approximately 200 participants were ordered to disperse, with organizers pledging a larger turnout for the upcoming event.
United States Observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Honoring Civil Rights Legacy
The United States marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January, to honor the civil rights leader's birthday and profound legacy. The day encourages reflection on his advocacy for equality and nonviolent social change, often celebrated through community service.
Protester Arrested After Scaling Iranian Embassy in London, Removing Flag
London police arrested a protester who climbed onto the roof of the Iranian Embassy and removed a flag during ongoing demonstrations on Friday night. The incident led to several officers sustaining injuries and additional arrests for violent disorder.
US Imposes Sanctions on Senior Iranian Officials and Financial Networks Amid Protest Crackdown
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, and financial networks on January 15, 2026, citing their role in a 'brutal crackdown' on widespread protests and the laundering of oil revenues. The measures target those accused of human rights abuses and funding repression.
Protests and Clashes Mark Opening of Far-Right Núcleo Nacional Headquarters in Sentmenat, Catalonia
Hundreds of anti-fascist protesters clashed with police in Sentmenat, Catalonia, during demonstrations against the opening of a new headquarters for the ultranationalist group Núcleo Nacional. The event, held on January 10, 2026, saw police charges and injuries to officers amidst tensions over the far-right group's expansion in Spain.
Aboriginal Woman Kumanjayi Dempsey Dies in Tennant Creek Police Custody, Prompting Calls for Accountability
A 44-year-old Aboriginal mother of five, Kumanjayi Dempsey, died in police custody at the Tennant Creek watch house in Australia's Northern Territory on December 27, 2025. Her death, the fourth Aboriginal death in NT custody in 2025, has led lawyers and justice advocates to demand an independent investigation and raise concerns about watch house conditions and the absence of a custody nurse.
Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland, Oregon, Amid Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement
Two individuals were shot and wounded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Portland, Oregon, on January 8, 2026. The incident, which occurred near Adventist Health Portland, involved a 'targeted vehicle stop' according to DHS, and sparked protests. It followed a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis the previous day.
Victoria Police Revokes Warrantless Pat-Down Powers in Inner Melbourne
Victoria Police has revoked its declaration of inner Melbourne as a 'designated area,' ending powers that allowed warrantless pat-downs and searches more than four months ahead of schedule. The decision comes amidst a Federal Court challenge and widespread criticism from human rights groups.
Minister Marc Miller to Announce Black History Month 2026 Theme in Historic Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, is set to unveil the theme for Black History Month 2026 in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia. The announcement, taking place at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, highlights the region's deep historical ties to Black Canadian heritage.
French Farmers Launch Nationwide Protests Over Animal Health and EU-Mercosur Trade Deal
French agricultural unions have initiated renewed nationwide protests starting January 7, 2026, driven by deep concerns over the government's handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak in cattle and staunch opposition to the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement. Farmers fear unfair competition from South American imports and demand stricter adherence to EU standards.
Massive Pro-Palestine Rally Draws Over Half a Million to Istanbul's Galata Bridge on New Year's Day
Over 500,000 people gathered on Istanbul's Galata Bridge on January 1, 2026, for a large-scale pro-Palestine demonstration. Organized by the Humanity Alliance and National Will Platform, the rally called for an end to the conflict in Gaza and expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
Activist Raúl Meza Abonce Released from Prison in Michoacán, Mexico
Young activist Raúl Meza Abonce, detained since November 2 for protesting the assassination of Uruapan's mayor Carlos Manzo, was released from prison in Michoacán on December 27, 2025. He will continue his legal process in freedom, facing charges of sabotage and damages.
Germany Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Ramazan Avcı's Neo-Nazi Murder, Calls for Official Recognition
Germany marked the 40th anniversary of Ramazan Avcı's death, a Turkish migrant killed in a 1985 neo-Nazi attack in Hamburg. A memorial ceremony in Ramazan Avcı Square saw renewed calls for official recognition of the crime as racially motivated and a formal apology from German authorities, emphasizing the ongoing fight against far-right violence.
Resident Killed During Military Police Operation in São Paulo's Favela do Moinho
A military police operation in São Paulo's Favela do Moinho on December 19, 2025, resulted in the death of 38-year-old resident Felipe Petta. Police claim an exchange of fire during a drug trafficking warrant, while residents allege Petta was unarmed. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the favela, which faces forced removals and frequent police actions.
