The Pentagon is ramping up its presence in Latin America and Caribbean waters with the deployment of over 4,000 Marines and sailors in a mission targeting regional cartel threats.
According to CNN, the movement is considered a force projection under U.S. Southern Command, expanding the Trump administration's options in responding to drug trafficking and other security priorities in the region.
The deployment includes the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group—comprising the USS Iwo Jima, USS Fort Lauderdale, and USS San Antonio—as well as the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU. These forces bring with them a range of military capabilities, including aviation support, amphibious assaults, and maritime operations. The ships and personnel fall under the authority of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and officials say they will remain in the area for several months.
The move marks a significant increase in America’s defense posture in the region. According to defense officials, the purpose of the military buildup is to counteract threats posed by organized drug cartels, which the administration has labeled as “narco-terrorist organizations.” While there has been no mention of imminent military engagement, officials describe this deployment as a visible demonstration of strength. The Amphibious Ready Group and MEU deployment began roughly three weeks ago, though the Navy formally acknowledged the operation only recently. Officials declined to disclose precise locations but confirmed the assets would operate in Latin American and Caribbean waters. The force includes new hardware, such as a nuclear-powered attack submarine, long-range reconnaissance aircraft, several Navy destroyers, and a guided-missile cruiser.
Show of Force But Not Immediate Action
Despite the scale of the deployment, military officials cautioned that the action is not an indication of an imminent strike against drug cartels. One official close to the operation explained that the force is intended more to “send a message” than to carry out direct attacks at this stage. Another source familiar with the mission described the deployment as a measure to "address threats to U.S. national security" stemming from cartel movements and activities in the region.
There are currently no details indicating that these military units will engage in drug interdiction missions without proper support. Analysts within the Department of Defense have expressed skepticism about the use of Marines in operations focused on narcotics enforcement. Military leaders agree that, should such missions be authorized, extensive involvement from the U.S. Coast Guard would be necessary due to their expertise in maritime law enforcement.
The MEU assigned to this mission is prepared for a range of duties, including combat operations and humanitarian support. A spokesperson for the Marines said that the unit “stands ready to execute lawful orders” and adapt to its assigned role under SOUTHCOM. Amphibious Ready Groups like this one have a history of being used in large-scale contingency operations, such as evacuation missions during periods of regional instability.
Background on Increasing Military Posture
The current mission is part of a broader U.S. defense strategy that began to take sharper focus earlier in the year. In March, Navy destroyers were positioned around the U.S.–Mexico border as part of a separate mission led by U.S. Northern Command. That deployment was in response to concerns involving border security, but the assets now being reported fall under SOUTHCOM’s jurisdiction and aim to stabilize operations in the maritime zones further south.
Military officials have said that the united presence of naval and marine units creates a robust operational framework for any future missions. The inclusion of air and sea power makes this deployment one of the largest maritime-focused mobilizations for the region in recent years. Additionally, shifting the focus from Northern Command to Southern Command reflects the changing nature of national security threats according to administration priorities.
The administration's rationale for expanding military presence in this part of the world is also tied to growing concerns about maintaining access to the Panama Canal. Within a directive issued earlier this year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed the Pentagon to look into strategies ensuring continued U.S. transit through this critical maritime passageway.
Security Directive Sets Military Roadmap
The January memo from Secretary Hegseth laid out what he called the Pentagon’s “foremost priority”: protecting the U.S. homeland. The document instructed military leaders to develop methods to seal national borders, reduce drug trafficking, and counter human smuggling. Additionally, it called for strategies to deport unauthorized migrants in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
The same policy memo emphasized the need for developing credible military tools for securing U.S. maritime interests, especially in the Panama Canal region. This indicates a broader strategic goal beyond just counter-narcotic missions and may shape regional policy and defense missions well into the future. The deployment of sophisticated naval assets—such as an attack submarine and a guided-missile cruiser—aligns with these broader objectives. The presence of the 22nd MEU reinforces the U.S. military’s dedication to being able to respond rapidly in the region. With its mix of ground, air, and logistics units, this MEU increases operational flexibility. It has previously been used in volatile environments, including situations involving conflict or humanitarian crises in the Middle East.
Operational Impact and International Messaging
This heightened military posture acts as a powerful symbol to both regional adversaries and international partners. The scale of the deployment suggests strong political support for countering transnational crime through military means if necessary. However, military sources insist it remains a contingency effort without current plans for offensive action against specific cartel targets. While the Navy did not clarify details about the positioning of the Amphibious Ready Group, the assets involved suggest that units will likely stay embedded in the region until assessments point to a reduced threat level. U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that the MEU is staying in position to meet national security demands upon command.
As regional threats continue to evolve, this type of military flexibility appears to be part of a new defense norm in Latin America and the Caribbean. The deployment not only underscores the administration’s increased focus on the Western Hemisphere but may also set a precedent for how future national security missions are handled south of the continental United States.
