[REVISION HISTORY]

US visa restrictions in Latin America

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What changed

2026-09-29 02:48 UTC → 2026-09-29 07:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United States has implemented visa revocations and new restriction policies targeting officials and individuals from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. These actions are part of the ‘Shield of the Americas’ initiative, which aims to combat corruption, narcotics trafficking, and actions that undermine democratic governance. Initial revocations targeted 27 individuals, including Bolivian Attorney General Roger Mariaca, several prosecutors, judges, and officials from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The State Department stated these measures are intended to ‘fulfill the commitments to defend democratic governance across our hemisphere against corruption and narco-trafficking.’ Specifically, Washington has accused Mariaca of abusing his public office to solicit and accept bribes to facilitate drug trafficking and assist violent criminals in evading justice. In response, Mariaca has rejected the accusations, calling for respect for Bolivian sovereignty. The Bolivian government has also indicated it will request additional evidence from the U.S. to understand the basis of these allegations. The revocations, implemented under Section 7031(c) of U.S. law, also affect 12 other Bolivian citizens, including former Justice Minister Ivan Manolo Lima Magne and constitutional magistrate Israel Ramiro Campero Mendez. In Peru, restrictions have included judge Juan Carlos Núñez Matos. In Colombia, the scope of revocations has expanded to include Senator Martha Isabel Peralta Epieyú and businessman Euclides Antonio Torres Romero, as well as certain family members. Subsequent policy expansions include new restrictions targeting those involved in international parental child abduction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted these measures aim to hold accountable judges, law enforcement, and judicial administrators who intentionally obstruct the return of minors to their country of habitual residence. These actions align with commitments made during the Doral Summit to defend the rule of law in the hemisphere.

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