The United States Department of State has revoked the visas of 17 individuals from four South American countries, citing alleged corruption and narcotics-related activities. The action affects individuals in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, all countries that have been associated with President Donald Trump's regional security initiative aimed at combating drug cartels. The initiative seeks to restrict visas for foreign nationals and their immediate family members who undermine democratically elected governments through corruption or narcotics trafficking.
According to the department, the 17 individuals who had their visas revoked comprise 12 Bolivians, two Colombians, two Ecuadorians, and one Peruvian. Additionally, nine other Bolivians who do not currently hold US visas have been rendered generally ineligible to receive them. The department did not provide specific details explaining why each of the individuals was targeted. However, it separately announced that Bolivia's current Attorney General, Roger Mariaca, had been placed on a blacklist for individuals accused of involvement in "significant corruption."
Several senior prosecutors were among those targeted in Bolivia, alongside a judge involved in investigations into corruption and violence against women and a police colonel. The US government accused Mariaca, who was elected in 2024, of abusing his public positions by soliciting and accepting bribes to facilitate narcotrafficking and helping violent criminals evade justice. The designation means Mariaca and his immediate family members are generally ineligible to enter the United States.
The visa actions were linked by the State Department to the Trump administration's broader efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking across Latin America. The four countries affected are members of Trump's Shield of the Americas initiative, which seeks greater regional cooperation against drug cartels and other security threats. The initiative aims to strengthen US influence in Latin America while supporting measures against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The State Department also referred to a joint statement by members of the initiative committing to coordination of sanctions, designations, and financial measures against individuals described as terrorists and criminals who undermine security, the rule of law, and democracy. The latest action forms part of the Trump administration's wider policy of using visa restrictions and other measures against foreign officials accused by Washington of corruption, narcotics trafficking, or actions that undermine democratic governance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has played a prominent role in the administration's Latin America policy. Rubio, a Cuban American and longtime critic of left-wing governments in the region, has been involved in efforts to strengthen US influence in Latin America. Since returning to office, Trump has sought to strengthen US involvement across the region, including through expanded efforts against drug cartels.
The latest visa restrictions affect officials from four South American countries and come as the US administration continues to use diplomatic and economic measures as part of its regional security strategy. The US Department of State spokesman, Tommy Piggott, stated that the policy restricts visas for foreign nationals and their immediate family members who undermine a democratically-elected government through corruption or narcotrafficking activities in the region.
Key points
- The US has revoked visas of 17 officials from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- The visa restrictions are part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking across Latin America.
- The US government accused Bolivia's Attorney General, Roger Mariaca, of involvement in "significant corruption."
