US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on his first diplomatic mission to Central America on Saturday, as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on tackling migration and reinforcing national security. Rubio’s visit will span Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, with migration set to be a central issue.
This trip is an effort to advance the Trump administration’s “America First” policy and its approach to regional issues, particularly migration. Rubio’s agenda will also involve discussing the Panama Canal, which Trump has publicly stated should be returned to US control, as well as countering China’s influence in the region.
The Secretary of State’s visit comes amid heightened concerns over migration, with the US grappling with record migration levels following the Covid-19 pandemic. Rubio stressed the importance of working with countries of origin to curb migrant flows and to accept the return of illegal migrants, emphasizing that cooperation would be rewarded while non-compliant countries would face consequences.
One of the key areas of discussion will be a potential asylum agreement with El Salvador, allowing the US to send non-Salvadoran asylum seekers to the country. This will build on a previous Safe Third Agreement between the US and El Salvador, and officials hope to further strengthen ties on migration and security.
In Costa Rica, Rubio aims to expand repatriation efforts, particularly for migrants traveling through South America and beyond. Panama will also play a crucial role in addressing migration, especially concerning the Darien Gap, a critical passageway for migrants heading to the US southern border.
Additionally, discussions on countering China’s growing influence in Latin America will be a major focus. Rubio has expressed concern about China’s presence in the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway, and the growing economic ties between China and Latin American countries.
Rubio’s visit underscores the Trump administration’s emphasis on regional cooperation and a stricter approach to migration, security, and countering foreign influence.
