U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he will ask Congress for $45 million in additional security funding for Ecuador, as Washington deepens cooperation with President Daniel Noboa’s government in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
U.S.-Ecuador Security Partnership
Rubio made the announcement during his visit to Ecuador, where he praised the country as one of the most aggressive U.S. partners in the region’s campaign against drug trafficking and criminal networks.
The proposed funding is intended to strengthen Ecuador’s security capabilities and support joint efforts targeting drug-smuggling organizations. The announcement comes as Ecuador faces a severe wave of gang violence, with criminal groups competing for control of territory and trafficking routes.
Focus on Drug Gangs
Rubio also announced that the United States had designated Los Tiguerones, one of Ecuador’s major criminal organizations, as a foreign terrorist organization. The designation is expected to expand Washington’s ability to target the group financially and support broader counter-criminal operations.
Ecuador has increasingly relied on closer cooperation with the United States as President Noboa intensifies his campaign against organized crime. U.S. and Ecuadorian forces have already conducted joint operations and expanded intelligence and security cooperation.
Rising Violence in Ecuador
The U.S. commitment comes as Ecuador confronts a major security and humanitarian crisis. Reuters reported that more than 300,000 Ecuadorians have been forced from their homes amid escalating gang violence, extortion, killings and territorial battles.
Rubio’s announcement forms part of a wider U.S. effort to strengthen security partnerships across Latin America, particularly with governments willing to cooperate closely with Washington on narcotics, organized crime and regional security.
The $45 million request still requires congressional approval, meaning the final amount and timing of the assistance remain subject to the U.S. legislative process.
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