At a recent summit in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean made a strong case for deeper regional integration. The meeting, hosted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), brought together heads of state including Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), and Gustavo Petro (Colombia). Their message was clear: Latin America wants to chart its own course — politically, economically, and diplomatically — outside the traditional shadow of Washington.

The call for unity comes at a time of growing tension between the region and the United States, particularly under the renewed leadership of Donald Trump. His administration’s hardline policies on trade and migration have not only reignited old frustrations but have also pushed Latin American nations to think more collectively.

CELAC, founded in 2010, is increasingly viewed as a counterbalance to the Organization of American States (OAS), which includes the U.S. and Canada and is often seen as aligned with Washington’s interests. In contrast, CELAC aims to strengthen political and economic ties among Latin American countries themselves, independent of outside powers.

During the summit, Honduran President Xiomara Castro handed over the rotating CELAC presidency to Colombia’s Gustavo Petro. In his opening remarks, Petro laid out an ambitious vision that includes regional cooperation on migration policy, energy interconnection, and transitioning to cleaner economies. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed a dedicated summit — the “Cumbre por el Bienestar Económico Regional” — focused on shared prosperity and economic justice across the continent.

The broader goal? Build a Latin America that can stand its ground in global negotiations, strike independent trade agreements, and invest in infrastructure without waiting for approval or aid from Washington.

But this growing independence comes with potential risks.

One major concern is how the United States might respond to a more unified Latin American bloc that openly challenges its dominance. If countries within CELAC move forward with joint trade deals that exclude the U.S., or if they align more closely with China, the U.S. could retaliate with economic sanctions or restrict access to markets and aid. That would mark a serious escalation in regional tensions, potentially pulling countries into a deeper geopolitical standoff.

Such a reaction could damage diplomatic ties and disrupt regional economies, especially in nations that still depend on trade with the U.S. A trade war or political freeze-out would only reinforce the urgency Latin American leaders feel to diversify partnerships and strengthen internal resilience.

Still, leaders like Lula da Silva argue that now is the time for Latin America to “speak with one voice” on the global stage. With the world facing shifting power dynamics, from China’s rise to ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, the region sees an opportunity — and a necessity — to step up.

Whether CELAC will succeed where previous efforts have fallen short remains to be seen. Much depends on how well the member nations can cooperate, set aside political differences, and follow through on their goals. But one thing is certain: Latin America no longer wants to be seen as Washington’s backyard.