Rubio Heads to Central America to Push Immigration, Panama Canal Control/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on his first foreign trip this weekend, traveling to Central America to push President Donald Trump’s key priorities—curbing illegal immigration and reclaiming U.S. control over the Panama Canal. Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, has strongly rejected any negotiations over the canal, calling Trump’s demand impossible. However, concerns over Chinese influence in the region could open discussions about reducing Beijing’s role in canal operations. Rubio will also address border security, drug trafficking, and U.S. foreign aid freezes as he visits Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
Rubio’s Central America Tour: Quick Look
- Rubio begins five-nation trip focusing on immigration, security, and China’s role in Latin America.
- Trump wants the U.S. to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, citing national security concerns.
- Panama’s president rejects the idea, insisting “The canal belongs to Panama.”
- Chinese investments in the canal worry U.S. officials, who fear Beijing could obstruct traffic.
- Rubio will push for more border security cooperation to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
- U.S. foreign aid to Central America remains frozen, except for limited humanitarian waivers.
Rubio Heads to Central America to Push Immigration, Panama Canal Control
Rubio’s Trip and Trump’s Foreign Policy: A Deep Look
Trump’s Push to Reclaim the Panama Canal
President Donald Trump has called for the U.S. to take back control of the Panama Canal, a move that faces strong resistance from Panama but is framed as a national security issue.
- Trump claims China has too much influence in the canal, which the U.S. handed over in 1999.
- Chinese companies manage key ports on both ends of the canal, raising concerns that Beijing could restrict access.
- Rubio says Trump “wants to administer the canal again,” despite Panama’s refusal to negotiate.
Some analysts believe Panama may be open to removing China’s role in the canal’s operations as a compromise, rather than handing full control back to the U.S.
“Trump is pushing on an open door, but it depends on his red lines,” said Ryan Berg of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Panama Firmly Rejects Trump’s Demands
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has ruled out negotiations, stating:
“It’s impossible, I can’t negotiate. The canal belongs to Panama.”
Despite this, discussions may center on removing China’s control over canal operations, as Panama has already launched an audit into its no-bid contract with Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports.
Immigration and Drug Trafficking at the Center of Talks
- Stopping illegal immigration is a top priority for the Trump administration, and Rubio will push regional leaders to increase enforcement.
- El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala are major migrant transit points, making border security a key issue during the trip.
- Drug trafficking routes from South America pass through Central America, making counter-narcotics cooperation crucial.
Foreign Aid Freeze Limits Rubio’s Leverage
- Trump froze most foreign assistance to Central America, pending a review of U.S. aid programs.
- Waivers for critical humanitarian aid are under review for Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.
- $41 million in support for an international peacekeeping force in Haiti was approved, but broader aid cuts remain.
What’s Next?
Rubio’s meetings will set the stage for future U.S. policy in Latin America, shaping Trump’s approach to regional security, trade, and diplomacy. However, whether Panama will make any concessions on the canal remains uncertain.
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