The U.S. State Department announced on September 9, 2026, that it is revoking visas for seven former Ecuadorian government officials, citing evidence that they engaged in corrupt practices linked to foreign terrorist organizations and drug-trafficking networks. The ban also extends to their immediate family members, who will now be barred from entering the United States.
According to the department’s spokesperson’s office, the move is meant to shine a light on high-level corruption within Ecuador’s judicial system and to address conduct that U.S. officials say posed risks to American national security. Washington did not release the officials’ names publicly in the initial statement, but framed the action as part of a broader effort to hold accountable individuals accused of enabling organized crime, regardless of their former rank or position.
The announcement comes amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of transnational criminal networks operating in the Andean region, including drug cartels and human-smuggling rings that have expanded their reach across South America. Ecuador in particular has seen a sharp rise in organized crime and violence in recent years, drawing increased attention from U.S. security agencies.
For the full report and additional details on the case, read the original story at El Tiempo.
Source: EE. UU. revoca visas a 7 exfuncionarios ecuatorianos por vínculos con organizaciones narcoterroristas (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
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