Pentagon ramps up military actions against drug cartels in Puerto Rico

On an undisclosed date in early September 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Puerto Rico, highlighting the Pentagon's renewed commitment to combatting Latin American drug cartels. This visit coincided with the recent deployment of hundreds of U.S. Marines to the island, initially described as part of a training exercise. However, these measures have raised concerns about U.S. military involvement in the region, particularly against the backdrop of escalating tensions with Venezuelan leadership, specifically accusing President Nicolás Maduro of fostering cartel operations. The visit was marked by a warm reception from Puerto Rican officials, including Jenniffer González-Colón, who praised the Trump administration's recognition of Puerto Rico's strategic importance in the fight against narcotics trafficking. González-Colón expressed gratitude on social media, emphasizing the partnership between the U.S. and Puerto Rico in maintaining national security and fighting drug-related crimes that affect the mainland. Moreover, this visit followed a recent military strike in the Caribbean Sea, which reportedly targeted a Venezuelan vessel linked to drug cartel activities, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. Authorities have indicated a willingness to increase direct military action against drug cartels from Puerto Rican bases, including potential deployments of fighter jets, aiming to thwart narcotics trafficking operations that threaten American communities. Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding this military strategy, fearing it could lead to further conflict with Venezuela and its government, which they argue is being used as a pretext for broader military engagement in the region. Anti-war groups, like 'Mothers Against War', organized protests, challenging the administration's narrative and expressing apprehension about escalating violence. Hence, the situation remains complex and multifaceted as the U.S. navigates national security interests while confronting the issues posed by drug cartels in Central and South America.