US Secretary Rubio Visits Mexico, Ecuador Amid Cartel Crackdown

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has embarked on a visit to Mexico and Ecuador as part of the Trump administration's intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration, dismantle drug cartels, and counter Chinese influence in Latin America. This trip follows a recent U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel, marking an escalation in regional operations that have heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, while maintaining diplomatic ties with President Trump, has condemned recent U.S. immigration raids and asserted Mexico's sovereignty, emphasizing cooperation on security matters without accepting unilateral interventions. Rubio's meetings with Mexican officials are expected to involve candid discussions on cartel eradication and security collaboration, reflecting ongoing challenges in bilateral relations exacerbated by trade disputes and enforcement policies. Despite Mexico's left-leaning leadership, Sheinbaum has engaged pragmatically with the U.S., aiming to balance national sovereignty with shared security objectives amid Trump’s aggressive stance. The visit highlights the complex dynamics between the U.S. and Latin American countries under the current administration's regional policy priorities.