Stephen Miller’s Central Role in US Military Actions in the Caribbean
Recent reports indicate that Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, played a notable and possibly controversial role in the deployment of US military forces and alleged attacks against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers in the Caribbean. His influence in these operations appears to have surpassed that of prominent figures like Senator Marco Rubio.
Military Deployment and Miller’s Authority
According to three sources who spoke with the Guardian, Miller’s position within the US government was instrumental in the military deployment.He directs the National Security Council (NSC) of the White House, and this year, he granted the NSC increased autonomy, allowing it to make decisions with less oversight from the customary national Security Council structure. This restructuring concentrated authority in a smaller circle,led by Miller’s aide,Tony Salisbury,and facilitated the authorization of military actions.
An example cited is the September 15th attack on a Venezuelan ship using Hellfire missiles. While the Pentagon identified the target days prior, many senior officials were reportedly informed only hours before the operation.
Justification and Legal Concerns
the White House maintains that the attacks were “directed by President Trump” and executed with the full cooperation of the management. However, Miller’s prominent role has fueled legal and political debate.
The administration justifies the actions under Article II of the US Constitution, which grants the President authority to use military force in self-defense. This justification relies on the designation of the Aragua Train, a criminal institution, as a foreign terrorist organization and a purported link between the group and the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro.
However, legal experts are questioning the validity of this connection. The fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on september 2nd that deportations of venezuelans based on the Foreign Enemies Law were illegal, finding insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the Aragua Train acted as an extension of the Venezuelan government.
Further complicating matters, the restructured NSC and National Security Council lacked internal legal advisors at the time of the decisions. Despite this,approvals for the attacks were reportedly obtained from the general counsel of the pentagon,Earl Matthews,the Department of Justice,and the White House Legal Office.
These developments reinforce the perception that Miller became a key architect of Trump’s Venezuela policy, wielding significant influence even within the administration itself.
US Military Presence in the Region
Currently, the US maintains a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including the Iwo Jima Readiness Group, comprised of the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS fort Lauderdale, with over 4,500 sailors. This is supplemented by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, adding another 2,200 troops.
While the deployment is officially framed as part of a strategy to combat drug trafficking, international organizations and human rights advocates have raised concerns about potential “extrajudicial executions” in international waters.
