Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make his first trip to Central America, a significant diplomatic milestone as he takes on critical issues tied to the U.S. government’s migration policies. The trip includes stops in Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Tucker: As President Trump has prioritized reducing migration into the U.S., Rubio’s visit aims to address this challenge while exploring other pressing matters, including potential control of the Panama Canal. Bruce emphasized the importance of Central America as a starting point for his diplomatic journey, signaling the administration’s focus on these regions and their interconnected challenges. Migration remains an “imperative” issue tied to broader concerns like safety and prosperity. Rubio is expected to discuss the Darién Gap, a treacherous route crucial for migration between Central and South America, and economic issues during his time in Panama. Meanwhile, discussions about the Panama Canal’s control remain uncertain. The Northern Triangle countries—Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras—continue to face significant migration flows, though border encounters with migrants from these nations decreased in 2024. This trip will provide an opportunity for the U.S. to address both domestic and regional issues while fostering collaboration with Central American neighbors.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/23/politics/rubio-first-trip-central-america/index.html