Ecuador Floats US Deal to Take In Deportees For Security Aid

Ecuador's government, led by President Daniel Noboa, is struggling to combat well-funded criminal gangs engaged in drug trafficking. In a bid to bolster its security capabilities, Ecuador is exploring a potential deal with the United States. The proposed agreement would involve Ecuador accepting deportees from the U.S. in exchange for security aid and assistance. President Noboa aims to use the U.S. Secretary of State's visit on Thursday to negotiate this arrangement, which he hopes will help turn the tide against the powerful, cash-rich gangs that are outmatching the government's resources. Ecuador's fiscal constraints have made it challenging to effectively counter the threat posed by these ruthless criminal organizations vying for control of drug trafficking routes. The outcome of the talks with the U.S. Secretary of State could have significant implications for Ecuador's ongoing efforts to regain control of its security situation.