Marco Rubio prioritizes immigration and China's influence in Central America

In early February 2025, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, embarked on his first diplomatic mission to Central America, targeting migration control and U.S. interests concerning the Panama Canal. This unprecedented trip marks the first time in over a century that a U.S. Secretary of State has initiated their tenure with a focus on Latin America rather than Europe or Asia. The mission includes stops in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, where leaders are expected to discuss their cooperation on immigration and the growing Chinese influence in the region. During his visit, Rubio viewed a deportation flight in Panama, underlining the Trump administration's commitment to curbing illegal immigration, which has been a significant focus of both Trump and Rubio’s agendas. The U.S. government has prioritized partnerships with Central American countries to manage the influx of migrants heading toward the U.S. These partnerships are based on understanding the root causes of migration and enhancing mutual cooperation on deportation and immigration policies. In El Salvador, Rubio met with President Nayib Bukele, who has developed a controversial but effective crackdown on crime. Rubio’s discussions extended to addressing various challenges faced in the region, particularly the need for cooperative efforts in managing migrant flows and curbing the narcotics trade. The Trump administration has emphasized using diplomatic pressure alongside financial incentives to encourage Central American nations to accept deportees and to actively collaborate on combating illegal migration. Countries like Guatemala and Panama have shown willingness to support U.S. efforts, while Mexico has been more hesitant. Rubio's mission is also particularly concerned with countering China’s growing influence in Latin America. President Trump's administration has expressed unease regarding China's investment in the Panama Canal and other strategic assets in the region. Rubio aims to reinforce U.S. interests in the canal, emphasizing that it should not be used as leverage against the United States by foreign powers, particularly China, which Trump's administration sees as a significant threat to U.S. interests. With his visit, Rubio is expected to set a framework for future U.S. engagement in the region, focusing on migration and economic partnerships while addressing the geopolitical challenges posed by China.