The United States is taking significant steps to bolster economic security and strengthen partnerships in Central America. Last week, Troy Miller, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, visited El Salvador for meetings with senior officials from President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
"El Salvador is a key partner for the United States, and for Customs and Border Protection – and is truly a model for the region," stated Mr. Miller. He emphasized that CBP and El Salvador are working together on various issues such as border security, combating drug trafficking, disrupting transnational criminal organizations, enhancing trade facilitation, deepening economic cooperation, and promoting prosperity.
Mr. Miller met with U.S. Ambassador William Duncan and Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill to explore ways to enhance security and trade between the two nations. They identified future cooperation avenues between CBP and the Government of El Salvador.
During his visit, Mr. Miller attended a meeting with top officials from El Salvador's economic cabinet including Minister of Finance Jerson Posada; Minister of Economy Maria Luisa Hayem; Secretary of Trade and Investments Miguel Kattan; Ambassador to the United States Milenia Mayorga; Director General of Customs Jose Benjamin Mayorga; along with Foreign Minister Hill.
Mr. Miller signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) alongside Director General of Customs Mayorga to improve border security and trade facilitation between both countries. The CMAA will allow mutual assistance on customs offenses once it comes into force.
Additionally, Mr. Miller signed the Passenger Information Sharing Agreement (ATS-G) with Director General of Migration Ricardo Cucalon to boost U.S.-El Salvador border security collaboration and counterterrorism information sharing for better traveler risk assessment.
In San Salvador, Mr. Miller visited the International Law Enforcement Academy San Salvador (ILEA), which trains law enforcement professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean to promote social, political, and economic stability. At ILEA San Salvador, CBP personnel offer training on various law enforcement topics including international border interdiction.
Mr. Miller also interacted with CBP personnel stationed across El Salvador from different units like U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations who contribute to regional security initiatives.
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