Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s First Overseas Trip in Central America Amidst Tensions Generated by Trump’s Policies
Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first overseas trip starting in Panama, amidst a region struggling under the weight of President Trump’s adversarial approach. Threats of military action to regain control of the Panama Canal and coercing nations to accept deported migrants aboard military planes have created a tense atmosphere in Central America.
The visit comes at a critical time for the region, grappling with the potential economic impacts of President Trump’s policies, including mass deportations and a halt in foreign aid. Michael E. Shifter, a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue research institute, noted the fragmented nature of the region, making it susceptible to being influenced by U.S. actions.
Despite efforts to arrange meetings with the Trump administration before his presidency, Central American countries faced consistent refusals. With President Trump highlighting Latin America as a crucial focus, the high stakes of Rubio’s visit are evident.
Rubio’s itinerary includes stops in Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Discussions are expected to touch on immigration, countering China’s influence, and combating drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
Central American countries aim to maintain their relationships with the U.S., focusing on open trade, retaining American investments, and continuing to receive foreign assistance. Rubio is likely to push for “safe third country” agreements, where nations accept asylum seekers from other countries seeking refuge in the U.S.
In Panama, the focus will be on the Panama Canal, with President José Raúl Mulino ruling out negotiations but the topic still looming large. Despite Trump’s accusations, the Panama Canal Authority has denied claims of Chinese troop presence. Discussions will also touch on immigration and the perilous Darién Gap route.
Panama may seek increased U.S. investments to counter Chinese influence, while the U.S. might push for a safe-third country agreement. In Guatemala, the government’s cooperation with the U.S. on migration issues has positioned it favorably, with plans to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime.
El Salvador already has a warm relationship with the Trump administration, with a crackdown on gangs earning praise from the former president. Discussions in El Salvador will likely revolve around illegal immigration and gang suppression efforts.
Costa Rica’s discussions with Rubio will likely focus on American investments, migration policies, and combating drug trafficking. Maintaining economic ties is crucial for continued efforts against drug cartels in the region.
The Dominican Republic’s efforts to control its borders and crack down on illegal activities make it a key security partner for the U.S. Amidst a humanitarian crisis in neighboring Haiti, President Luis Abinader’s nationalist approach has garnered support while pledging stricter immigration policies.
Secretary Rubio’s visit aims to strengthen ties with Central American countries, address key issues such as migration, trade, and security cooperation, and navigate the challenges posed by President Trump’s policies in the region.