Trump hosts summit amid push to stop illegal immigration, narco-terrorists

President Donald Trump welcomed leaders from across Latin America on Saturday for the "Shield of the Americas" Summit in Florida.

The summit was convened to bring together what officials described as the U.S.' strongest likeminded allies in the region to promote freedom, security, and prosperity amid efforts to stop illegal immigration, narco-terrorists, and drug cartels.

The leaders of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago confirmed their participation in the gathering, which was held at the Republican president's Trump National Doral Miami.

Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, who Trump ousted from her position and appointed as the special enjoy for the new coalition of nations, joined them. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, were also there.

The event focused on strengthening cooperation to counter foreign interference in the hemisphere, combat criminal organizations and narco-terrorist gangs, and address illegal and mass migration.

Officials have characterized the summit as a historic coalition aimed at reinforcing regional partnerships and advancing coordinated strategies to confront shared security challenges.

The gathering comes just two months after Trump ordered an audacious U.S. military operation to capture Venezuela's then-president, Nicolás Maduro, and whisk him and his wife to the U.S. to face drug conspiracy charges.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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