As Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his inaugural international trip starting in Panama this Saturday, Central American countries are facing challenges due to President Trump’s aggressive tactics, such as military threats to reclaim the Panama Canal and pressuring nations to accept deported migrants on military planes. The region is currently grappling with the economic impact of 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 in Washington, describes the current situation as every country looking out for itself. He notes the region’s fragmentation and vulnerability to manipulation, which Trump has exploited to his advantage.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to engage with Trump’s team before his presidency, the region now finds itself in a position of urgency as Trump prioritizes Latin America in his agenda. The upcoming meetings with Rubio are crucial for addressing key issues such as immigration, countering China’s influence, and combating drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
Countries in Latin America are keen on maintaining their relationships with the U.S., focusing on open trade, American investments, and continued foreign assistance. Rubio’s main objective is likely to push for “safe third country” agreements to address asylum seekers while strengthening ties with these nations.
As Rubio travels to Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, he will engage in discussions centering on various pressing matters. In Panama, talks will revolve around the Panama Canal, immigration, and Chinese influence. Guatemala aims to showcase its cooperation on migration with the U.S., while El Salvador seeks to strengthen its ties with the Trump administration. Costa Rica anticipates discussions on investment, migration policy, and combating drug trafficking.
Overall, Rubio’s visit to these countries will be pivotal in addressing the complex challenges facing the region and navigating the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Latin American relations under the Trump administration.