Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen recently hosted the second day of the Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America, which focused on improving personal safety and security in the region.
Discussions included combating organized crime and gangs, enhancing regional and citizen security, security cooperation, and stemming the flow of illegal migration.
Secretary Nielsen and Mexican Foreign Secretary Videgaray met with El Salvadoran Minister of Justice and Public Security Mauricio Ramírez Landaverde, Honduran Secretary of Security Julián Pacheco Tinoco, and Guatemalan Minister of Government Enrique Degenhart.
Nielsen recognized the governments for their efforts to strengthen security in the region. She also committed to continuing to work with the nations to address drug trafficking.
Most South American cocaine that enters the United States had traveled through Central America, Nielsen said.
The U.S. government has been working with the other countries to address the causes of illegal immigration to the United States since 2014 when nearly 52,000 children from the region made the dangerous journey alone.
Causes of illegal immigration include crime and violence, corruption and impunity, transnational criminal organizations, and lack of economic opportunities.
Nielsen reaffirmed her commitment to continue fighting transnational criminals and human smuggling organizations that threaten safety in Central America.