U.S. ramps up military operations against drug cartels in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is increasingly becoming a focal point in the U.S. government's battle against Caribbean drug trafficking. In early September 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine arrived on the island to bolster military efforts against cartels operating within the region. Their visit was part of a broader strategy initiated by the Trump administration to secure maritime routes and confront drug-related threats from neighboring Venezuela, where the situation is exacerbated by the regime of Nicolás Maduro. During the visit, which included discussions at Muñiz Air Base near San Juan, Hegseth emphasized the importance of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean while addressing approximately 300 military personnel. This gathering not only served to motivate U.S. troops stationed on the island but also signaled the federal government's commitment to addressing narcotrafficking head on. The discussions highlighted notable collaborations with local leaders, including Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, who has framed the military operations as essential to both local and national security. Governor González-Colón expressed appreciation for the Trump administration's recognition of Puerto Rico's strategic importance in the fight against narcotrafficking, particularly against Venezuela's Maduro regime, which has been described as a narco-dictator. The meeting featured high-ranking military officials from the Puerto Rico National Guard and underscored a united approach to confronting organized crime in the Caribbean. The culmination of these efforts has reportedly led to significant U.S. military activity targeting vessels involved in drug trafficking in the region. Following the deployment of naval assets to the Caribbean, U.S. Marines have engaged in direct actions resulting in strikes against cartel vessels, indicating a shift in tactics from simply seizing drugs to actively targeting sources of trafficking. This escalation of military operations corresponds with President Trump’s long-standing opposition to Maduro's government and underscores a decisive U.S. posture in halting illegal drug flows into American territories. The United States aims to effectively manage the drug trade and ensure the safety and security of its borders through intensified military action in the Caribbean.