US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Mexico and Ecuador to advance President Donald Trump’s priorities on combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and countering China’s influence in Latin America. This is Rubio’s first trip to Mexico since taking office, Reuters reported.

The visit follows a recent US military operation targeting a Venezuelan drug vessel and comes amid strained US-Mexico relations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized US immigration raids and rejected unilateral military actions, though both countries are collaborating on a new security agreement.

Washington has increased surveillance of Mexican cartels and labeled some as terrorist organizations. Rubio’s talks aim to strengthen security cooperation, manage migration, curb illicit drug flows, address US-Mexico trade tensions, and ensure Mexico is not a route for Chinese goods avoiding US tariffs. Discussions are also expected to cover USMCA reforms to reinforce bilateral cooperation, according to Reuters.