This is after he first ordered three military strikes in September on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, and again several more this month. Trump said he did so in an attempt to thwart cartel and foreign terrorist organizations from smuggling fentanyl and other illicit drugs to the U.S. to stop the drug war once and for all.
The Trump administration designated the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua as a FTO in February and has also levied sanctions against Venezuela and Colombia, where cartels and FTOs have long orchestrated global drug and human smuggling operations.
By early October, Trump told Congress the U.S. was engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels in the Caribbean. On Friday, he said he planned to provide more information to Congress about using the U.S. military to target drug cartel operations, The Center Square reported.
While critics argue the president is escalating conflict in the Caribbean, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard have been interdicting cartel and FTO drug and human smuggling, including in the Caribbean, for years. In addition to targeting cartel operatives, they’ve also been arresting illegal foreign nationals from countries of foreign concern like Russia.
In the first three months of the Trump administration, USCG crews hit a milestone of interdicting more than 80,000 pounds of illicit drugs being smuggled by drug cartels attempting to reach the U.S. Their efforts were part of a U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) directive that deployed two U.S. Navy warships to the southwest border in direct support of Coast Guard interdiction efforts, The Center Square reported.
Last month, federal agents made history by seizing the largest volume of precursors used to produce methamphetamine after interdicting two shipments from two ships on the high seas. DHS Homeland Security Investigations international agents in Guatemala, Panama and Mexico worked closely with foreign law enforcement partners to consolidate shipments in Panama and divert them to the Port of Houston, The Center Square reported.
Their efforts through HSI Operation Hydra are continuing to target drug trafficking by hitting the supply line of chemical precursors used to manufacture fentanyl and methamphetamine being shipped from China to cartel operatives.
Nearly 700,000 pounds of precursor chemicals were seized from two ships in this operation – the largest volume seized in U.S. history.
By comparison, in fiscal 2024, CPB agents seized nearly 174,000 pounds of methamphetamine at the southwest border alone, according to CBP data.
Supporters of Trump’s actions argue military action will better support CBP Marine and Air Operations (AMO) officers and USCG crew who have been combatting drug and smuggling operations at sea with limited resources near Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the border crisis escalated during the Biden administration, CBP AMO and Border Patrol officers working out of the CBP Ramey Sector and USCG crew made record apprehensions. In the first 10 months of the Trump administration, they continue to arrest drug and human smugglers and seize illicit drugs and contraband.
One week after Trump was sworn into office, AMO and USCG interdicted a vessel attempting to smuggle nearly 300 pounds of cocaine around the northern coast of Puerto Rico. Not soon after, AMO seized nearly 800 pounds of cocaine near Dorado, Puerto Rico. They also seized an additional 335 pounds of cocaine north of Luquillo a few months later with the assistance of Coast Guard aircraft based in Miami.
By June, seizure volumes increased, including more than 500 pounds of cocaine after AMO detected a vessel three nautical miles from Rincon. In a major nighttime interdiction operation, AMO seized 1,155 pounds of cocaine (22 bales) south of Cabo Rojo and also arrested foreign nationals.
In an international operation working with British, Dutch and French law enforcement, AMO officers seized even more: 3,175 pounds of cocaine near Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands. Fifteen men from a range of countries were arrested, CBP said. Not soon after, another 170 pounds of cocaine was seized near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, and more illegal foreign nationals were arrested.
By July, seizure volumes continued to increase at sea and on land. In one operation, AMO officers apprehended Venezuelans and seized more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine near Maunabo, Puerto Rico. In another, they seized nearly 600 pounds of cocaine roughly five miles west of Cabo Rojo. In another, they seized a record nearly 4,000 pounds of cocaine near Cabo Rojo.
Border Patrol and USCG also continue to apprehend foreign nationals from countries of foreign concern. Earlier this year, they arrested Russian nationals in an alleged smuggling attempt roughly five nautical miles west of Aguadilla. They also interdicted another smuggling attempt off the coast of Vieques, Puerto Rico, apprehending Uzbekistan nationals.
More recently, they interdicted a vessel near the shoreline of Combate in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, and arrested more than a dozen from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.