US and Ecuador Sign Security Agreement

The United States and Ecuador have signed an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of security. The agreement was signed during a visit by the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, to Quito.

Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reiberg, stated that the agreement will allow the exchange of officers who will act as liaisons to enhance cooperation on security, criminal investigations, and information sharing.

Kristi Noem also met with the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, with whom she discussed issues related to combating drug trafficking, terrorism, and immigration.

Noem stated that the two countries will continue the extradition of defendants, following the extradition of drug lord Adolfo Macías, known as Fito, to the United States. Fito is the first Ecuadorian citizen to be extradited to the United States after a referendum that reinstated this possibility in 2024.

In 2024, Quito imposed a visa requirement for citizens of China due to the increase in irregular migrants using Ecuadorian territory as a departure point.

Noboa has emerged as a key ally of the United States in the fight against organized crime, seeking international support to combat gangs involved in drug trafficking.