Secretary of State Marco Rubio is embarking on his inaugural foreign trip this weekend, focusing on Central America with a dual agenda: tackling illegal immigration and addressing U.S. interests in the Panama Canal. This visit marks a significant moment for Rubio, who is the first Hispanic to serve in this top Cabinet position, and reflects the Trump administration’s emphasis on prioritizing regional issues.
Rubio’s journey comes as a response to President Donald Trump’s heightened focus on curbing illegal immigration and reasserting U.S. control over the strategically vital Panama Canal, a topic that has generated considerable tension with local leaders. The canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999, is now a point of contention, especially with Trump’s administration signaling a desire to regain oversight amid concerns about increasing Chinese influence in the region.
In an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal, Rubio emphasized that his choice to begin his tenure in the hemisphere was intentional. He noted that addressing immigration and combating drug trafficking are critical components of U.S. foreign policy in the region. Additionally, he aims to confront the growing presence of China, which has been investing in infrastructure and establishing economic ties that could undermine U.S. interests.
Rubio’s first stop will be Panama, where President José Raúl Mulino has firmly stated that there will be no negotiations regarding the ownership of the canal. Mulino expressed hope that discussions could center on mutual concerns such as migration and drug trafficking rather than ownership disputes. Despite Mulino’s stance, Rubio is expected to convey Trump’s determination to discuss the canal’s governance, citing national security concerns related to Chinese activities in Latin America.
Rubio’s itinerary includes meetings with Mulino and the canal administrator, followed by visits to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. His discussions will likely touch on the broader implications of mass migration and the challenges posed by countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, which have strained relations with the U.S.
The backdrop of this visit is a recent shift in U.S. visa processing in Colombia, which underscores the complexities of U.S. relations in the region. Rubio is also faced with the challenge of limited resources to offer as "deliverables" during his trip, given the ongoing review of foreign assistance programs initiated by Trump.
As Rubio prepares for this pivotal trip, analysts note the potential for a compromise regarding canal operations, particularly concerning the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports company, which currently manages the canal’s operations under a controversial contract. The outcome of his discussions could set the tone for future U.S.-Latin American relations and the administration’s approach to regional security and economic interests.