Blinken urges Central America to help on migrants, flags democracy concerns

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado Quesada during a visit to San Jose, Costa Rica, June 1, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool

SAN JOSE (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Central American governments to do more to help contain illegal immigration and voiced concerns about the health of local democracy and human rights during a visit to the region on Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, Blinken said the United States wanted to hear from its partners in the region about their shared commitment to managing migratory pressures.