On March 7, Donald Trump announced the formation of the Shield of the Americas, a new coalition involving the United States and twelve Latin American countries. The initiative aims to use military force to combat drug trafficking organizations and terrorist networks. This move aligns with a broader U.S. policy known as the "Donroe Doctrine," a modern reference to the Monroe Doctrine, which historically emphasized U.S. influence over the Western Hemisphere. The coalition seeks to address the growing threat posed by transnational criminal groups through coordinated military and intelligence efforts. The Shield of the Americas operates through shared intelligence, joint military operations, and a system that allows member countries to request assistance from their allies, particularly the United States, when facing threats from cartels or gangs. Newsweek reported that under this framework, the U.S. and Ecuador conducted joint bombings on Ecuadorian soil, and a large multinational military exercise called Panamax 2026 took place in Panama, involving nearly 1,700 soldiers from 19 countries. These operations highlight the coalition's focus on collective security and military cooperation. The initial agreement was signed by the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Soon after, the Bahamas, Belize, Guatemala, and Jamaica joined. Colombia and Peru also became members following the election of right-wing leaders. Chile officially joined on September 22, after previously observing the coalition’s activities, citing the need to combat organized crime more effectively. However, countries with left-leaning governments, such as Mexico and Brazil, remain outside the coalition. On September 22, 15 members of the Shield of the Americas signed their first collective action, sanctioning 24 "transnational narcoterrorist organizations" from countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Mexico. The sanctions include freezing assets, restricting visas for members of these groups, and pursuing legal action against those who support them financially or logistically. The declaration also emphasized securing supply chains for critical minerals, a move seen as an effort to limit Chinese influence in the region. This marks the first time Latin American governments have, alongside the U.S., officially labeled a large-scale group as a terrorist entity. The New York Times noted that this development raises concerns about increased U.S. military involvement in Latin America, including the possibility of bombings on the territory of member states. Trump has warned that if member countries fail to act against cartels, the U.S. will take action "in their place." This approach has revived historical fears of American intervention in the region, with reports indicating that intensified military operations in Colombia have already led to casualties. The initiative has sparked debates about sovereignty, security, and the legacy of U.S. influence in Latin America.