Bean Joins Congressional Delegation to Central and South America, Meets with Leaders on Border and National Security
WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) recently returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to Brazil, Colombia, and Panama. The bipartisan delegation met with senior national security and law enforcement officials to discuss our shared interests to counter China’s malign influence, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and the impact of migrant caravans as a result of failed U.S. border policies.
The trip was led by Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) and included Representatives Carlos Gimenez (FL-28) and Wiley Nickel (NC-13).
“The challenges facing our partners in the Western Hemisphere—like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and CCP influence—negatively impact Floridians and Americans across the nation. It’s important that we reinforce our bilateral ties in the region to tackle these growing threats and strengthen our national and economic security.
The Biden administration’s open border policies constitute a reprehensible threat to our national security. I saw firsthand how terrorists and other transnational criminal organizations are actively exploiting our open border and severely preying upon vulnerable migrants. I’m doing everything I can to restore law and order and hold the Biden administration accountable for creating this chaos,” said Congressman Bean.
Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, the delegation received a U.S. country team brief on efforts to counter Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence and counter-Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) operations in the country, as well as a meeting with the U.S. Consulate General. Additionally, the delegation met with the Federal Police Superintendent for the State of Rio to discuss border security efforts, TCOs, and organized crime. They wrapped up the visit in Brazil with a meeting with the Brazilian Navy to discuss U.S.-Brazil maritime cooperation.
Colombia
In Bogota, the delegation met with the Colombian National Police Director, General William Salamanca, and other high-ranking officials to underscore the importance of cooperation combating the illicit drug trade, migrant smuggling, and criminal organizations. The delegation then joined the Colombian National Police at their remote training facilities where they saw numerous training demonstrations and a coca paste lab presentation.
Panama
In Panama City, the delegation visited the Darien region where they were helicoptered to the San Vicente Migrant Camp in the jungle. Additionally, they met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney, followed by a briefing from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sensitive Investigations Unit, and FBI anti-money laundering/Counter Corruption Task Force.
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