Key Takeaways From Rubio’s Trip to Central America, the Caribbean

Rubio visited Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic in his first trip abroad as secretary of state.

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha (R) walks next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after their meeting at the presidential palace in Panama City on Feb. 2, 2025. Arnulfo Franco/AFP via Getty Images

Newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio returned to the United States on Feb. 7, concluding a five-nation tour of Central America and the Caribbean.

Rubio made stops in Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The trip was Rubio’s first since taking office and as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to increase border security, deport illegal immigrants, and bolster U.S. ties in the Western Hemisphere.