Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on his inaugural trip to Central America, marking his first official visit as the top US diplomat. The trip, scheduled to commence late next week, will see Rubio visiting Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.
The decision to prioritize Central America for his first trip comes amidst President Donald Trump's focus on curbing migration to the United States. President Trump has implemented various directives, including deploying additional troops to the US southern border and expressing interest in the US regaining control of the Panama Canal.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted the significance of Rubio's visit to Central America, emphasizing that it will serve as a signal of the administration's key priorities to both the US and the global community.
One of the primary topics expected to be addressed during Rubio's trip is the issue of migration, particularly from the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. While the number of border encounters with individuals from these countries decreased in 2024 according to Customs and Border Protection data, the region remains a focal point for discussions on migration.
In Panama, Rubio is likely to engage in talks regarding the Darién Gap, a perilous route between Central and South America that has witnessed an increase in migrant activity. An agreement between the US and Panama was signed last year to combat the flow of undocumented migrants through this route.
Additionally, economic and supply chain matters are anticipated to be key topics of discussion during Rubio's trip. While it remains uncertain whether the issue of the Panama Canal's control will be raised, recent statements from Panama's President José Raúl Mulino have refuted claims made by President Trump regarding the canal, emphasizing that Panama views the canal as a sovereign asset.
