This is a big loss for the US empire:

Ecuador currently has a Trump-backed right-wing president, Daniel Noboa, who is a dual US citizen and the son of the country's richest billionaire oligarch.

Ecuador has a progressive constitution that bans foreign military bases in its territory. So Noboa tried to rewrite it to allow US military bases in Ecuador.

A referendum was held, and 61% of Ecuadorians voted against his proposal. It is clear as day that they DON'T want the US empire to occupy their country and militarize Latin America.