U.S. Naval Buildup in the Caribbean: A Bold Move Against Cartels or Something More?
The United States has significantly ramped up its military presence in the Southern Caribbean, deploying seven warships, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, and over 4,500 sailors and Marines, including the formidable USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale. The Pentagon has also sent P-8 spy planes to conduct intelligence-gathering missions over international waters. According to the Trump administration, this show of force is aimed at dismantling Latin American drug cartels, a mission that resonates deeply with conservative values of law and order, national security, and protecting American communities from the scourge of illegal drugs. But as officials in Caracas and some experts raise questions, it’s worth examining what this deployment means for America’s interests and why it’s a step in the right direction.
President Donald Trump has made no secret of his commitment to cracking down on drug cartels, which he’s labeled as global terrorist organizations. Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, echoed this sentiment, stating the buildup is designed to “combat and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, criminal cartels, and these foreign terrorist organizations in our hemisphere.” This aligns with a conservative worldview that prioritizes decisive action against threats to American safety. The cartels, particularly groups like Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, have flooded U.S. cities with deadly drugs like fentanyl, contributing to a crisis that’s claimed countless American lives. A robust military response signals that the U.S. won’t sit idly by while these criminal enterprises operate with impunity.
The deployment is a refreshing departure from the softer approaches of past administrations, which often relied on diplomacy or limited law enforcement efforts that failed to stem the tide of drugs pouring across our borders. The inclusion of assets capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and conducting targeted strikes suggests a readiness to take the fight directly to the cartels’ infrastructure, whether it’s their smuggling routes or operational hubs. This is the kind of strength conservatives have long championed—a willingness to project power to protect American interests and send a clear message to those who threaten our way of life.
However, some skeptics, including officials in Venezuela and certain analysts, argue this buildup may have ulterior motives, particularly aimed at pressuring the Maduro regime in Caracas. Venezuela has long been a thorn in America’s side, with its socialist government accused of harboring drug traffickers and destabilizing the region. David Smilde, a Venezuela expert at Tulane University, called the deployment “gunboat diplomacy,” suggesting it’s less about drugs and more about exerting pressure on Maduro’s regime. Venezuelan officials, including their U.N. ambassador, have gone further, claiming the U.S. is laying the groundwork for military intervention under the guise of counter-narcotics operations.
Conservatives should view these accusations with skepticism. Venezuela’s complaints ring hollow when you consider their track record of deflecting blame and propping up a failing state that’s become a hub for cocaine trafficking, as noted in the United Nations’ 2023 Global Report on Cocaine. The report highlights that while the Pacific is the primary route for maritime drug trafficking, Venezuela remains a key departure point for cocaine-laden airplanes headed north. The Maduro regime’s protests about U.S. “imperialism” are a tired tactic to distract from their own complicity in the drug trade and their refusal to address the humanitarian disaster they’ve inflicted on their people.
Still, the question lingers: is this deployment solely about cartels, or is it a strategic move to counter Venezuela’s influence? The answer could be both, and conservatives should see no issue with that. A strong America doesn’t limit itself to single-objective missions. If this buildup curbs drug trafficking while simultaneously checking a hostile regime that’s aligned itself with adversaries like China and Russia, it’s a win-win. The force size—significant but far smaller than the 28,000 troops used in the 1989 Panama invasion—suggests a targeted approach, not an all-out invasion. As Christopher Hernandez-Roy of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted, “It’s too big to be just about drugs. It’s too small to be about an invasion. But it’s significant enough that it’s there to do something.” That “something” could be a multifaceted strategy to secure U.S. interests, from disrupting cartels to ensuring regional stability.
Critics may argue that military force isn’t the answer to the drug problem, pointing out that much of the fentanyl crisis originates from Mexico, not the Caribbean. They’re not entirely wrong—Mexico’s role in fentanyl smuggling is undeniable. But focusing solely on one avenue ignores the broader network of criminality that spans Latin America. The Caribbean is a critical chokepoint for drug flows, and Venezuela’s role as a transit hub makes it a logical target for U.S. pressure. Moreover, the presence of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, trained for rapid global missions, signals flexibility. Whether it’s intercepting smuggling operations or preparing for contingencies like securing the Panama Canal, this deployment gives the U.S. options—something conservatives should applaud in an era of unpredictable threats.
The Biden years showed what happens when America projects weakness: emboldened adversaries and unchecked chaos at our borders. The Trump administration’s willingness to flex military muscle in the Caribbean is a return to strength, a reminder that the U.S. can and will act decisively to protect its citizens. While some may speculate about regime change or hidden agendas, conservatives should focus on the clear benefits: disrupting the cartels that poison our communities and reasserting American dominance in a region too long neglected. This isn’t just about drugs—it’s about sending a message that America is back, and we’re not afraid to act.