US military interventions against Venezuela in international waters are in troubled waters in South Florida. Here is an overview.
Protest
On December 23, a gathering of progressive groups and activists took place in Miami to denounce the Trump administration’s military actions against Venezuela. The protest was originally planned for Miami International Airport, but the event was canceled by local authorities. Organizers from the U.S. Hands Off Venezuela coalition called the cancellation of their rally an attempt to silence dissent. Ultimately, the protest was moved to the Torch of Friendship on Biscayne Boulevard.
Protesters called for an end to threats of war and economic sanctions against Venezuela, saying that Latin American countries have a right to self-determination. They argued that U.S. military interventions destabilize the region and amplify tensions.
At the same time, the U.S. Coast Guard has stepped up its operations against oil tankers accused of helping Venezuela circumvent sanctions. Several ships, described by US officials as part of a “ghost fleet,” have been pursued or seized with the support of the Navy. The Trump administration says it wants to prevent the transport of sanctioned cargo and put pressure on the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
Concerns about international law
UN (United Nations) and legal officials say that US actions against Venezuela, such as blocking ships and carrying out deadly strikes against vessels suspected of transporting drugs, violate international law and the UN Charter. According to them, the United States is using prohibited force against the sovereignty of another state, in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. The strikes on boats have been described as “extrajudicial executions” and “murders,” and experts have called for an investigation and legal proceedings. In addition to asserting that the United States’ actions violate sovereignty and the United Nations Charter, the Venezuelan government accuses the United States of having “continental ambitions” aimed at overthrowing Maduro, who has been president of Venezuela since 2013.
Close ties to Florida
It should be noted that there is a large Venezuelan diaspora in South Florida, particularly in Miami. Reactions vary, ranging from support for measures against Nicolás Maduro to protests against specific US military tactics, influencing local politics and activism. The December 23 protest is a testament to this. Furthermore, Florida Democrats wanted to limit Trump’s campaign against Venezuela and drug cartels, but they failed, according to WLRN. Two resolutions supported by the Democrats were rejected by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Democrats want to restore Congress’s role in military decisions and criticize Trump for failing to present a clear strategy and justifying his strikes with unfounded arguments. The end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans is also contested by Democrats, who believe it contradicts the military threats against Caracas. It should be noted that the strikes destroyed 26 boats and caused at least 99 deaths, and that despite criticism raising questions about their legality and justification, Republican leaders continue to support Trump’s military campaign.
