United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told Marines stationed in Puerto Rico that their mission in the Caribbean is more than just training, signaling a more assertive US posture in the region.
Hegseth made the remarks during a surprise visit on Monday to the USS Iwo Jima, a warship currently operating near Puerto Rico. Addressing the troops, he said, “What you’re doing right now is not training; this is a real-world exercise on behalf of the vital national interests of the United States of America to end the poisoning of the American people.”
The mission aligns with the administration’s broader push to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Hegseth, whose department was recently renamed from the Department of Defense to the Department of War, was accompanied by Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Puerto Rico’s governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez, welcomed both Hegseth and Caine, praising the federal government for recognizing the island’s strategic importance. She stated that Puerto Rico plays a key role in safeguarding US national security and combating drug trafficking operations linked to Venezuela’s leadership under Nicolas Maduro.
Tensions with Venezuela have risen sharply after the US Navy sank a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. The US administration claimed the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics. Former President Donald Trump emphasized the strike in a post on Truth Social, warning, “Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!”
The military action has drawn international criticism. Human rights groups condemned the sinking as an unlawful extrajudicial killing, arguing it violated international law. The incident has further strained relations between Washington and Caracas, which were already tense.
Analysts note that Hegseth’s visit and statements signal a shift toward a more aggressive US strategy in the Caribbean. The deployment is being framed as a direct response to threats posed by drug trafficking networks and organized crime in the hemisphere. By emphasizing that the mission is a “real-world exercise,” US officials appear to be underscoring the seriousness of the operation to both domestic and international audiences.
The USS Iwo Jima and its crew are positioned to carry out a range of operations, including maritime patrols and interdiction efforts. While the deployment is publicly linked to anti-narcotics measures, experts say it also serves as a show of military presence in a region that has seen increasing influence from Venezuela and other actors challenging US interests.
Puerto Rico’s role in this strategy is pivotal. Its geographic position allows the US to monitor maritime routes and respond quickly to potential drug smuggling activities. Local officials have expressed support for the mission, citing both security concerns and economic benefits tied to military operations.
The White House has maintained that the US is committed to enforcing the law and protecting citizens from illicit drug flows. However, critics argue that aggressive military actions risk escalating tensions in the region and may have unintended humanitarian consequences.
Hegseth’s visit reflects the administration’s determination to demonstrate strong leadership on national security matters. The defense chief’s language suggests a willingness to expand military operations in the Caribbean beyond conventional training exercises, emphasizing direct engagement against threats to US interests.
As the deployment continues, observers will be watching how Caracas responds and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, Washington appears determined to reinforce its presence and maintain a strategic advantage in the region, signaling that the US Caribbean deployment is now a central element of its security approach.
