The U.S. Department of Defense is urging Latin American governments to raise defense and security spending in order to better combat organized crime, according to multiple reports. The push centers on the idea that stronger funding can help countries enhance capabilities used against criminal groups, which operate across borders and exploit weak security systems. The Pentagon’s messaging emphasizes increased resources for public safety and defense-related efforts, framing the request as part of broader U.S. engagement in regional security. Both outlets describe the initiative as direct pressure or encouragement directed at Latin American countries to increase their security budgets, rather than a single, country-specific program. While the reports provide limited detail on specific amounts or timelines, they agree on the main thrust: the Pentagon wants participating nations to allocate more funding toward efforts intended to reduce the influence and operational capacity of organized criminal networks. The development reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation in response to transnational crime.