Salazar Urges President Biden to Help Ecuador Defeat Gangs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chair María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to help Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa crush the deadly gang violence threatening the country.
Ecuador is a critical ally and trading partner of the United States, and we have a shared interest in helping them defeat the gang threat before it has a chance to reach our Southern Border.
“Ecuador is fighting for its life right now against the cartels and desperately needs all the help it can get,” wrote Chairwoman Salazar. “Please give Ecuador the weapons and military support that they need to defeat the gangs. Our support is critical.”
In response to growing gang violence and the escape of the dangerous criminal José Adolfo Macías Villamar (known locally as Fito) from prison, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day State of Emergency on January 8, 2024.
On the following day, the world watched in horror as hooded and armed gang members in Guayaquil stormed a TV station and threatened news anchors and staff during a live newscast. Other reports of violence, including at the University of Guayaquil, followed.
The Noboa administration subsequently announced an “Internal Armed Conflict” in his country, allowing his government to eliminate gangs wreaking havoc across Ecuador.
The United States must provide intelligence help to the Ecuadorian government to help them locate these criminals and small arms and ammunition to help them neutralize them.
As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Congresswoman Salazar is committed to strengthening the U.S. – Ecuador relationship. She recently introduced the Innovation and Development in Ecuador Act (IDEA) to expand trade and promote economic development in Ecuador. The legislation is supported by the Ecuadorian government.
To read the letter, click HERE.
Congresswoman Salazar represents thousands of Ecuadorian Americans in Florida’s 27th congressional district.
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