The Trump administration revoked U.S. visas for 27 officials, former officials and some family members from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru over allegations of corruption and ties to narcotrafficking. The State Department said the action supports efforts to defend democratic governance under the "Shield of the Americas" initiative. Key targets include Bolivian Attorney General Roger Mariaca and more than 20 Bolivian prosecutors and judges; U.S. officials say visa restrictions are being used as a diplomatic tool to combat corruption tied to drugs and illegal migration.
U.S. Revokes Visas for 27 Latin American Officials, Including Bolivia’s Attorney General
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stands with Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, not shown, at the State Department, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has announced the revocation of U.S. visas for 27 Latin American officials, former officials and some of their family members, citing allegations of corruption tied to narcotrafficking.
The affected individuals are from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru — countries with right-leaning governments that have aligned closely with the Trump administration. The State Department said the measure is intended “to fulfill the commitments to defend democratic governance across our hemisphere against corruption and narco-trafficking.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru this month, offering U.S. support for regional efforts to curb drug and human trafficking. Officials in those countries protested the visa actions, arguing that several people targeted were impeding local anti-crime operations.
Who Was Targeted
Among those named is Bolivian Attorney General Roger Mariaca, who, according to U.S. documents, is accused of abusing his office by soliciting and accepting bribes to facilitate narcotrafficking and of helping violent criminals evade justice. Mariaca was elected to a six-year term in 2024.
The State Department identified more than 20 Bolivian prosecutors and judges in the action — noting that 12 were current U.S. visa holders and nine would be denied visas if they apply. Also affected are two Colombians (described in U.S. statements as a business mogul and a lawmaker), two Ecuadorians and one Peruvian judge.
“Undermining a democratically-elected government is a threat to security and rule of law in the Americas and will not be tolerated,” the State Department said in its announcement.
Broader Context
The administration framed the revocations as part of a broader crackdown on corruption, particularly where it intersects with the narcotics trade and irregular migration, under the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” initiative launched this year. The department also noted that visa denials are a long-standing diplomatic tool and cited past uses — for example, restrictions involving South African and Palestinian officials in other disputes.
The move is likely to increase diplomatic tensions with the governments involved. Bolivian and other regional officials have criticized the decision as politically motivated and counterproductive to cooperative anti-crime efforts, while U.S. officials contend it targets individuals who undermine the rule of law.
Help us improve.
