Secretary Rubio's agenda is heavily focused on curbing illegal immigration, a key priority for the Trump administration. However, a significant and potentially contentious aspect of his discussions will be the U.S. demand for the return of the Panama Canal. This issue is expected to face strong resistance from regional leaders, particularly in the context of China's growing influence in the hemisphere.

The timing of this visit and the specific demands being made by the U.S. government suggest a strategy aimed at reasserting American dominance in the region. The request to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, in particular, signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America, potentially impacting trade relations and geopolitical dynamics.