It comes after a harsh crackdown on the country’s gangs by El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. Bukele suspended key constitutional rights in 2022 and arrested 84,000 people, more than 1% of the country’s population. The majority of them remain in prison without being sentenced.

The two countries have a fraught recent history marked by broken diplomatic relations, sanctions and accusations of criminal activity and coup-plotting.

Critics say the new administration's harsh stance on the region risks opening the door for rivals like China to increase their presence there.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined America's new foreign policy focus in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, emphasizing the nation's relationships with nearby countries.

While Rubio’s anti-China rhetoric aligns with Washington’s broader geopolitical goals, the tools at his disposal are insufficient to match Beijing’s economic engagement.

Marco Rubio embarks on his inaugural Latin America trip as Trump's Secretary of State amidst tension over U.S. deportation policies, sanctions, and growing Chinese influence in the region. The visit focuses on countering China and securing cooperation to curb migration,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming diplomatic mission to Central America reflects the US focus on addressing critical regional issues, including migration, security, and the growing influence of China.

Countering Beijing and 'deepening economic partnerships' to boost regional prosperity said to be on agenda in tour that starts in Panama US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make his first international trip since taking office on Saturday,

The new secretary of state took center stage in a diplomatic rift with Colombia over deportation flights, adding teeth to Trump's threats of sanctions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be pushing Donald Trump's hardline immigration agenda and addressing the US president's claim to "take back" the Panama Canal when he tours Latin American

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's trip to Central America, including Panama, is partially about countering China, a State Department spokesperson told Fox Business, as new President Donald Trump is pushing to "take back" the Panama Canal.