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Tennessee rep says Nashville mayor’s ICE policies amount to ‘aiding and abetting illegal immigration’

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A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee is calling for a federal investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s handling of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, adding he will not back down.

Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said in a post on X that with support from the House Judiciary Committee, he is formally requesting all documents and communications from O’Connell’s office pertaining to his alleged protection of illegal immigrants.

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Specifically, Ogles is requesting documents related to «the amendment of Executive Order 30,» which he referred to as «an outrageous directive requiring Nashville employees and first responders to report all communication with federal immigration authorities directly to the mayor.»

Ogles also said he is requesting any internal discussions or documents concerning ICE enforcement actions in Nashville or Davidson County and all correspondence involving Metro employees and affiliated nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) pertaining to the arrests or detention of criminal illegal aliens within the city or county.

HOUSE GOP TARGETS ANOTHER DEM OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF BLOCKING ICE AMID DELANEY HALL FALLOUT

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Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) is calling on federal agencies and committees to investigate Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s alleged obstruction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. (Michael M. Santiago)

Along with his post, Ogles shared a video of his announcement.

«We’ve heard it: the individuals that the mayor is standing with are murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, sexual predators, child traffickers…the list goes on,» he said. «Which is why I will always stand on the rule of law and with ICE. And I don’t just stand with ICE; I’ll stand in front of ICE because we the people have had enough.

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«I choose my community, my state and my family over this type of nonsense, which is why, due to the remarks of Freddie O’Connell and the potential for aiding and abetting illegal immigration, the Homeland Security and the Judiciary Committees will be conducting an investigation into the mayor of Nashville, his conduct and whether or not federal dollars have been used in criminal enterprise,» Ogles continued. «I will not back down. I will not relent, and I will always stand with law enforcement. I want my community, and I want my country back.»

DHS FIRES BACK AT BLUE-CITY MAYOR UNHAPPY ABOUT ICE OPERATION, PROVIDES RAP SHEETS FOR THOSE CHARGED

Ogles’ announcement comes 10 days after he sent a letter urging for an investigation into O’Connell, whom the Trump administration has accused of supporting «pro-illegal policies.»

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O’Connell’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.

Earlier this month, ICE agents working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested nearly 200 people who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said were illegal immigrants – many of them criminals with gang affiliations or other sordid pasts.

ICE CRACKS DOWN ON DC-AREA BUSINESSES, NEARLY 200 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), agents detain an immigrant on October 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

A DHS news release targeted O’Connell by name over comments he made in early May. «What’s clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm.»

After the arrests, O’Connell signed an executive order aimed at tracking peoples’ interactions with federal immigration authorities, according to WSMV4.

O’Connell also wrote a letter to the city about the ICE arrests.

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«Our top priority is keeping people safe, and we’re deeply concerned that what appear to be federal actions are making that harder,» O’Connell wrote. «Overnight, we understand that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents detained people during enforcement actions in Middle Tennessee. As we learn more, I want to be clear: No [Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD)] personnel were involved in last night’s enforcement action.»

BLUE CITY MAYOR SAYS ICE ARRESTS OF DANGEROUS CRIMINALS ARE NOT ‘FOCUSED ON MAKING US SAFER’

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Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell criticized ICE raids in Nashville, saying they are not focused on making the city safer, but instead leave the community fearing law enforcement interaction. (Getty Images)

He added that the city’s police department does not have federal immigration authority, nor are its members trained to conduct immigration enforcement.

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O’Connell also said the police department lacks access to federal immigration databases.

«This type of federal enforcement action is not focused on making us safer and leaves people in our community fearing any interaction with law enforcement when there is a crime occurring,» he added. «We will be seeking the names of those detained.»

DHS said the Nashville operation resulted in the arrests of a convicted child sex predator, an alleged member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, an individual convicted of aggravated assault and multiple illegal aliens on drug charges.

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«The Nashville Mayor should want these criminal illegal aliens off American streets,» DHS posted on X. «Attacks and demonization of our brave law enforcement is wrong. ICE officers are now facing a 413% increase in assaults. President Trump campaigned on immigration enforcement, the American people voted for it, and DHS is delivering.»

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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Former French President Sarkozy begins a 5-year prison sentence for campaign finance conspiracy

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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered a prison in Paris on Tuesday to begin serving a 5-year sentence for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya — a historic moment that makes him the first ex-leader of modern France to be imprisoned.

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Sarkozy, 70, was greeted by hundreds of supporters when he walked out of his Paris home earlier in the day hand-in-hand with his wife, supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. He embraced her before getting into a police car.

Minutes later, the vehicle passed through the gates of the notorious La Santé prison — where Sarkozy will now serve his sentence in solitary confinement.

Sarkozy was convicted last month of criminal conspiracy in a scheme to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya.

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He contests both the conviction and a judge’s unusual decision to incarcerate him pending appeal. His lawyers said Tuesday that they filed an immediate request for his release.

FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN LIBYA CORRUPTION CASE

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave their home on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as Nicolas Sarkozy heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

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A show of defiance

«It’s an ominous day for him, for France and for our institutions, because this incarceration is a disgrace,» Sarkozy’s lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois told reporters soon after his incarceration.

In a show of defiance and while on his way to the prison, Sarkozy released a statement on social media declaring that «an innocent man» was being locked up.

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«I will continue to denounce this judicial scandal,» he wrote. «The truth will prevail.»

Sarkozy told Le Figaro newspaper that he would bring three books to prison — the maximum allowed — including Alexandre Dumas’ «The Count of Monte Cristo,″ in which the hero escapes from an island prison before seeking revenge. He also picked a biography of Jesus Christ.

«I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high, including in front of the doors of La Santé,» he told La Tribune Dimanche newspaper last week. «I’ll fight till the end.»

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Sarkozy has repeatedly said he is the victim of «a plot» staged by some people linked to the Libyan government and denounced the Sept. 25 verdict as a «scandal.»

TRUMP COMMUTES GEORGE SANTOS’ SENTENCE, PARDON BLITZ WIPES OUT COSTLY FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS

Nicolas Sarkozy in a car

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, center, arrives at La Sante prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris.  (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Solitary confinement

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Sarkozy’s lawyers said he will be kept away from all other prisoners for security reasons. They said he packed a bag with a few sweaters because the prison is cold and earplugs because it’s noisy.

Christophe Ingrain, another of Sarkozy’s lawyers, denounced «a serious injustice.»

«It’s a very difficult time, but the president has stood strong,» Ingrain said. «He doesn’t complain, hasn’t asked for anything, no special treatment.»

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Solitary confinement implies that Sarkozy will never see other inmates and will spend most of his time alone in his cell, Ingrain said.

He will be allowed to go outdoors one hour per day alone in the prison yard and to get three visits per week from his family, Ingrain said, adding that he is planning to write a book about his prison experience.

BRAZIL’S EX-PRESIDENT AND MAJOR TRUMP ALLY BOLSONARO PLACED ON HOUSE ARREST

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People stand behind French flags with inscription reading «Courage Nicolas, come back soon,» right, and «True France with Nicolas» outside former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s home, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Masha Macpherson)

An outpouring of support for the ex-president

Sarkozy’s journey from the presidential Elysée Palace to La Santé prison has captivated France.

After leaving their home, Sarkozy and his wife walked slowly to join family members, including his children and grandchildren, outside his home.

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«I’m very proud to share his name, and very proud of how he’s reacting,» said his brother, Guillaume Sarkozy. «I’m truly convinced that he is innocent.»

Hundreds of supporters applauded and chanted «Nicolas, Nicolas» and sang the French anthem. Two French flags were hung on a nearby fence, with the words «Courage Nicolas, return soon» and «true France with Nicolas.»

Parisian resident Virginie Rochon, 44, came in support of Sarkozy, calling it «scandalous» to see «a former president being taken away while still presumed innocent.»

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Another supporter, Véronique Maurey, 50, said: «it’s just not possible. And on top of that, calling it a ‘criminal conspiracy’ kind of makes all of us feel like criminals too, because we voted for him. It’s not right to say that.»

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Nicolas Sarkozy

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reacts before entering a police car on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as he heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya.  (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Meeting with Macron

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Embattled centrist President Emmanuel Macron hosted the conservative Sarkozy at the presidential palace last week, explaining it was «normal on a human level» to receive one of his predecessors in this context.

On Tuesday, Macron said he would not comment on a justice decision. «Nevertheless, it’s normal that the image of a president being imprisoned … may prompt comments,» he said.

«We must distinguish emotion, including the legitimate emotion of relatives and part of the country … and the proper functioning of justice,» Macron added.

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Sarkozy has been retired from active politics for years but remains very influential, especially in conservative circles.

France’s top magistrate Rémy Heitz, Prosecutor-General at the Court of Cassation, warned Tuesday about a risk of «hindering (justice) serenity» and of «undermining the independence of judges,» including when the justice minister — a former conservative who joined Macron’s party — plans to visit Sarkozy in prison.

«The goal for everyone must be serenity, to allow justice to truly rule independently… free from any pressure,» Heitz said.

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The Paris court ruled last month that Sarkozy would start to serve prison time without waiting for his appeal to be heard, due to «the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense.»

The court said Sarkozy, as a presidential candidate and interior minister, used his position «to prepare corruption at the highest level» from 2005 to 2007, to finance his presidential campaign with funds from Libya — then led by longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

Under the ruling, Sarkozy was able to file a request for release to the appeals court only once behind bars. Judges have up to two months to process it.

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Una hora de gimnasia diaria, lectura, escritura y tres visitas por semana: la nueva rutina de Nicolas Sarkozy en la cárcel

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Nicolás Sarkozy se convirtió este martes en el primer presidente francés en llegar a la histórica prisión de La Santé, en París, para cumplir una condena de cinco años, aislado, en una celda de personas vulnerables. Lo declararon culpable en septiembre pasado de “conspiración criminal» en la supuesta financiación libia de su exitosa campaña presidencial del 2007. Ya ha apelado pero deberá esperar entre uno o dos meses en una celda, hasta que los jueces decidan si lo liberan o no.

Una condena y acto político para este ex primer ministro, ex ministro del Interior y presidente después que Philipe Petain fuera encarcelado en la segunda guerra mundial por colaborar con los nazis. Louis,Pierre y Jean, hijos de Nicolas Sarkozy, organizaron una manifestación de apoyo este martes por la mañana, cerca de la casa familiar, en París.

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“La verdad triunfará”, dijo el ex presidente al salir de su villa en Montmorency, en el barrio XVI de París, donde vive junto a la modelo y cantante Carla Bruni y su hija Giullia, que cumplió 14 años y lo celebraron en una última fiesta en el Hotel George V.

Lo rodeaba toda su familia: sus tres hijos, Carla, que lo llevaba de la mano, y un centenar de militantes que lo aplaudía. Se despidió de Carla. Partió solo en su cortejo de autos negros, como los que tienen todos los presidentes en Francia que abandonan el poder. Lo seguían docenas de motos con fotógrafos, camarógrafos y periodistas hacia la cárcel, como en una elección presidencial en Francia.

“No le temo a la cárcel», declaró Nicolas Sarkozy en una entrevista con La Tribune Dimanche antes de su encarcelamiento. «Mantendré la frente en alto, incluso a las puertas de La Santé». El proyecto de Sarkozy es escribir un libro y hacer una hora de gimnasia diaria.

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La caravana de Nicolas Sarkozy, al llegar este martes a la prisión de La Santé, en la capital de Francia. Foto: EFE

La Santé, una prisión muy antigua

Nicolas Sarkozy llegó a la prisión donde se alojó muchos años el terrorista venezolano Carlos Ilich Ramirez, el Chacal, este martes alrededor de las 9 y media de la mañana. Fue recibido por el director de la prisión y los agentes, que le mostraron su celda de 12 metros, con una ducha y un televisor.

En la prisión de La Santé, ubicada en el distrito 14 de París y donde vivieron reclusos de renombre como Alfred Dreyfus, Maurice Papon, Jacques Mesrine y Guillaume Apollinaire, es probable que Nicolas Sarkozy haya sido recluido en la sección reservada para «personas vulnerables», donde estará solo en su celda para garantizar su seguridad.

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Tendrá acceso a un televisor (por una cuota mensual de 14 euros) y a un teléfono fijo vigilado. Podrá recibir hasta tres visitas semanales (de 45 minutos), aparte de las reuniones con sus abogados. El ministro de Justicia, Gérald Darmanin es quien lo visitará, en lo que algunos consideran que es un acto contra la independencia de la justicia..

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Nicolas Sarkozy ingresa a prisión por financiación ilegal

El ex jefe de Estado pudo llevar diez fotos personales y tres libros, según lo permite el reglamento penitenciario, durante su primera semana de detención. Optó por llevar los volúmenes I y II de la novela de Alexandre Dumas «El Conde de Montecristo», que narra la historia de un hombre injustamente encarcelado, que planea vengarse de quienes lo traicionaron. También la biografía de Jesús, escrita por Jean-Christian Petitfils.

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La decisión de encarcelar a Nicolas Sarkozy provocó indignación entre la derecha y la extrema derecha.

El presidente Emmanuel Macron, quien mantiene estrechos vínculos con Sarkozy y su esposa, Carla Bruni, declaró el lunes que se había reunido con el ex presidente del Palacio del Elíseo, antes de su encarcelamiento, durante una hora y media. Hasta ahora no se ha publicado la posibilidad de un eventual perdón presidencial pero no habría que descartarlo, si la apelación para la liberación fracasa.

Nicolas Sarkozy fue acompañado por su esposa Carla Bruni hasta la prisión. Foto: EFE  Nicolas Sarkozy fue acompañado por su esposa Carla Bruni hasta la prisión. Foto: EFE

Preso VIP

El encarcelamiento de personas VIP es una de las características de la prisión de La Santé. La administración denomina «zona especial» al área donde se encuentran estas personas. Las salas de visita para estos presos se encuentran en el número 1 de la rue Messier, al igual que para los demás presos, donde hay alojamiento cercano para familiares que los visitan.

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El encarcelamiento de «personajes públicos» condenados también es propia de la prisión de La Santé. La administración penitenciaria denomina a la zona donde se asigna a estas personas «sector privado», QB4 (sección inferior número 4) o QPV (sección de personas vulnerables), y los medios de comunicación suelen denominarla «sector VIP.

En La Santé, hay 19 plazas, y las celdas son idénticas a las de todas las demás. Los reclusos viven aislados para protegerse del resto de la población penitenciaria, debido a la naturaleza de los delitos que se les imputan (en particular, los de carácter sexual), su cobertura mediática o el riesgo de extorsión.

Como ministro del Interior, Sarkozy fue extremadamente duro con las poblaciones de los suburbios, a los que llamó “La Racaille», que debían ser limpiados “a Karcher” (un desinfectante abrasivo de alto poder). En la cárcel hay muchos detenidos de ese origen. La seguridad de Sarkozy está comprometida si comparte con ellos comidas o recreos. Por eso permanecerá aislado.

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Una de las peculiaridades de la prisión de La Santé es que, hasta el año 2000, los reclusos se distribuían según su origen geográfico y étnico. Algunos reclusos (especialmente los que cursan estudios) se agrupan en secciones. Pero la mayoría se distribuye en cuatro bloques: Bloque A: Europa Occidental; Bloque B: África Negra; Bloque C: África del Norte; Bloque D: resto del mundo.

Seguidores de Nicolas Sarkozy expresan su apoyo al ex presidente de Francia, este martes antes de su detención, en París. Foto: REUTERS  Seguidores de Nicolas Sarkozy expresan su apoyo al ex presidente de Francia, este martes antes de su detención, en París. Foto: REUTERS

Estos bloques fueron recientemente sometidos a una importante renovación. El centro estuvo parcialmente cerrado de 2014 a 2019 para su rehabilitación. Allí vivieron el dictador panameño Manuel Noriega mientras esperaba su extracción a Estados Unidos, Jean Mitterrand, el empresario Bernard Tapie, entre tantos otros. La guillotina estaba instalada hasta la abolición de la pena de muerte en la cárcel.

El último acto mediático antes de entrar a prisión

En el comunicado emitido en la puerta de la prisión de La Santé, Nicolás Sarkozy aseguró que «la verdad triunfará», denunciando «la expresión de venganza que ha llevado el odio a un nivel sin precedentes». «La verdad triunfará, pero el precio habrá sido demoledor…» escribió.

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En marzo pasado, la Fiscalía Nacional Financiera (PNF) solicitó una pena de siete años de prisión y cinco años de inhabilitación para presentarse como candidato a un cargo público contra Sarkozy, quien fue acusado en 2018 bajo sospecha de recibir fondos del ex líder libio Muamar Kadafi para financiar su campaña durante las elecciones presidenciales de 2007. El mes pasado fue absuelto de los cargos de recepción de fondos públicos robados, corrupción pasiva y violación del Código Electoral.

El ex líder de la UMP (Unión por un Movimiento Popular, posteriormente convertido en el partido Los Republicanos) niega cualquier irregularidad y ha denunciado una «conspiración» con motivaciones políticas, acusando a los jueces de intentar humillarlo.

El ex inquilino del Palacio del Elíseo ya había sido condenado en 2023 en un caso separado de corrupción -condena confirmada por el Tribunal de Casación en diciembre pasado- por las llamadas «escuchas telefónicas». Declarado culpable de soborno activo a un magistrado y tráfico de influencias activo a una persona en un cargo de autoridad pública, fue condenado a un año de prisión con una pulsera electrónica.

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Carla Bruni, imputada

Este martes por la mañana, la imagen de Nicolas Sarkozy, de la mano de Carla Bruni antes de ingresar a su celda en la prisión de La Santé, fue la tapa en numerosos medios internacionales. Pero el próximo paso es la condena de Carla Bruni por interferir para salvar a su marido en este juicio.

Tras un día de interrogatorio ante un juez de instrucción financiero del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de París, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy fue imputada en el marco de las investigaciones sobre la retractación en 2020 del intermediario Ziad Takieddine, que murió dos semanas atrás en Líbano. Este libanés acusó al ex presidente de Francia de financiar su campaña presidencial de 2007 con fondos libios.

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La ex primera dama fue imputada por supuestamente haber participado en maniobras destinadas a silenciar el testimonio de Takieddine, lo que añade un nuevo frente judicial a la familia del ex mandatario. Bruni padece cáncer de mama.

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US military buildup in Caribbean sees bombers, Marines and warships converge near Venezuela

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The United States has significantly increased its military presence across the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines as part of an expanded campaign targeting drug-trafficking and so-called «narco-terrorist» networks operating near Venezuela.

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In addition to seven strikes on boats believed to be carrying narcotics, the Trump administration has built up thousands of troops in the region. 

War Secretary Pete Hegseth this month announced the creation of a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force operating near Southern Command, saying it was established «to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe.» The task force will coordinate air, maritime, and special-operations missions across the region — marking the largest U.S. military effort in the Caribbean in decades.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters recently conducted a bomber attack demonstration over the region — a show of force captured in Defense Department imagery. For four hours on Wednesday, B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana patrolled near Venezuela’s coast in a display of military might aimed at Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

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TRUMP UNLEASHES US MILITARY POWER ON CARTELS. IS A WIDER WAR LOOMING?

President Donald Trump directed a deadly strike on a suspected drug-running boat, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said. (SecWar/X)

At least seven U.S. Naval warships and one nuclear submarine are believed to be patrolling the region. 

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The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is also operating in the Caribbean Sea. Ship spotters photographed the flagship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) off the coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Friday. The group includes USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 22nd MEU comprises Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 26 and Battalion Landing Team 3/6.

Three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers — USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), USS Gravely (DDG-107), and USS Stockdale (DDG-106) — are currently deployed in the Caribbean, joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS-13), which has been operating near Cuba.

Open-source reporting indicates that a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine has been deployed near Venezuela, although the exact number of nuclear vessels and their precise locations have not been confirmed by the Pentagon.

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WAR DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEW COUNTER-NARCOTICS TASK FORCE UNDER TRUMP DIRECTIVE TO CRUSH CARTELS

In Puerto Rico, the U.S. has deployed ten F-35 fighter jets and at least three MQ-9 Reaper drones, transforming the island into a key logistics and surveillance hub for operations in the region. Reuters imagery from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, shows the drones staged for use.

Recent photos also show that Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, a major U.S. facility closed in 2004, has been reactivated. Satellite images and on-site photos reveal aircraft and personnel operating from the base, including at least one AC-130J Ghostrider gunship equipped with Hellfire missiles parked at José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which serves the installation.

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Special-operations aviation has increased as well. In early October, MH-6 «Little Bird» light-attack helicopters — typically used by U.S. Army Special Operations Forces — and MH-60M Black Hawks were spotted training off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, according to images first published by The Washington Post.

The Pentagon has not detailed how long the buildup will last, but a New York Times report estimates about 10,000 U.S. troops are currently operating in the theater — the largest American presence in the region in decades.

U.S. defense officials have linked the deployments to ongoing counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism missions tied to recent strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs from Venezuela. The moves come as tensions escalate following Colombia’s claim that one of the U.S. strikes killed a fisherman, not a trafficker — an accusation the White House has denied.

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SECRETARY OF WAR HEGSETH LANDS IN PUERTO RICO AS US RAMPS UP CARIBBEAN CARTEL FIGHT WITH NAVAL FORCES

Analysts say the combination of heavy bombers, stealth fighters, Marines, and Navy surface combatants underscores a shift from law-enforcement interdiction to a broader show of force aimed at deterring state-linked trafficking networks.

US Marine Corps air drill

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, integrates with a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, in the U.S. Southern Command area.  (U.S. Air Force)

«This is a posture we haven’t seen in the Caribbean since the early 2000s,» said one defense analyst familiar with U.S. operations in the region. «It’s clearly meant to send a message — not just to traffickers, but to governments accused of enabling them.»

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Experts generally agree the U.S. buildup does not suggest preparations for all-out war.

Mark Cancian, a senior defense adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital that such a campaign would require between 50,000 and 100,000 U.S. troops — far more than the roughly 10,000 currently in theater.

«What I think they’ve put in place is the capability to launch strikes at either the cartels or the Maduro regime,» Cancian said. «If I had to bet, it’s probably against the cartels — but I wouldn’t rule out something against the regime.»

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That limited but flexible posture reflects what some experts describe as a modern form of coercive diplomacy.

Marine aircraft at Puerto Rico base

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighter jet taxies on the tarmac past U.S. Marine Corps Ospreys and helicopters are now parked at the former Roosevelt Roads military base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, which had been closed for decades. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)

«It sort of looks like we’re in the throes of a 21st-century version of gunboat diplomacy,» said Brandan Buck, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute. «The Trump administration is doing what it can to force some sort of transition [of] power — out of Maduro’s hands and into someone else’s — without a classic invasion.»

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Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the current deployment gives Washington strike options without committing to a major ground war.

«The force posture currently in the southern Caribbean is consonant with the potential for precision strikes using Tomahawk missiles or other weapons, but without risking the lives of U.S. service personnel,» Berg said.

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