U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has viewed a deportation flight carrying 43 migrants before it left Panama as President Donald Trump’s administration prioritizes stopping people from making the journey to the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panama's president Sunday and warned the increased presence of Chinese companies and interests along the Panama Canal is "a threat" and the U.S. could take "measures necessary to protect its rights" unless changes are made.

Panamanian officials offer concessions on Rubio’s first overseas stop, but say they cannot negotiate on control of the waterway.