Rubio urged to halt Ecuador aid
Thirteen Democrats want military support paused until civil liberties and rule of law are restored in the South American nation.
By Nia Foster ·
Thirteen Democratic members of the outgoing U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, November 6. The lawmakers asked the Trump administration to stop all military assistance to Ecuador immediately. They requested the suspension of security cooperation with President Daniel Noboa's government until the country fully restores its democracy and rule of law.
The group included Representatives Jesús 'Chuy' García, Jonathan Jackson, and Greg Casar. They wrote that the recent arrest of former presidential candidate Luisa González marks the latest step in a push toward a one-party state. González is a leader of the Ciudadanismo Revolution movement, which is linked to former President Rafael Correa. The letter described the arrest and the pressure on other opposition figures as an alarming development.
The legislators warned that the current situation involves a prolonged state of exception. Under this status, Noboa has invoked extraordinary powers to limit civil freedoms. The letter cites specific abuses, including torture, extrajudicial executions, and forced disappearances. It also points to arbitrary detentions and sexual abuse in women's prisons. The lawmakers expressed concern about the weakening of the Ecuadorian judiciary.
If the administration does not act, the Congress intends to use its available tools to force a policy change. The proposed measures include blocking the sale of arms to Ecuador. The group also wants to suspend U.S. security assistance and prohibit the use of funds for joint military operations. The letter calls for an investigation into U.S. participation in documented abuses and for a search for accountability.
The letter was sent after the U.S. midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 3. The thirteen signatories represent the current congressional session. They aim to leverage legislative power to influence the executive branch's foreign policy decisions regarding the Andean nation. The correspondence serves as a formal request for a pause in military ties pending a review of human rights conditions.
