Renewed Military Presence ⁤in Puerto Rico ‍Sparks outcry⁢ and Revives Vieques⁣ Trauma

The resurgence of‌ military activity in ⁤Puerto Rico, linked to escalating tensions with Venezuela, is triggering protests and reigniting long-held anxieties stemming from decades of US Navy presence, particularly on the island of Vieques. Recent developments, including the reactivation of Roosevelt Roads Naval Station and a preventative FAA advisory, have raised fears of a return to the extensive militarization Puerto Rico experienced for much of the 20th century.

Roosevelt Roads, originally conceived as an extension of the ⁣Navy’s operations, was shuttered following the tragic death of David Sanes, a 35-year-old Vieques security guard. Sanes was killed in 1999⁣ when Navy ‍ordnance accidentally struck‌ a surveillance​ post where he worked. This incident became a focal point in the widespread protests that ultimately lead to the Navy’s departure from Vieques after 60​ years of use as a bombing range and training ground.

However, the legacy of that military presence continues to plague Viequenses. The US government has yet to fully remediate the unexploded ordnance left behind, posing ⁣ongoing safety risks. Furthermore, ⁤studies indicate disproportionately high levels of toxic metals ⁢- including mercury, uranium, and arsenic ⁢- in ⁢the hair and urine of Vieques residents. These residents also experience substantially higher rates of cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and infant ⁤mortality compared to other Puerto Ricans.

The recent authorization allowing the military to store ammunition in‍ Vieques, beginning in January, has intensified these concerns. Juan Dalmau, a prominent figure with the Puerto Rican Independence Party ⁣(PIP) who placed second in the last gubernatorial election, has publicly condemned the move. In a letter addressed to Governor Pedro González,Dalmau accused the US Navy of failing to address the environmental damage caused by decades of bombing and criticized the current⁤ management for⁤ passively allowing Vieques to be used as a “military dumping ground.”

Governor González has responded by stating that Vieques was not considered in​ discussions regarding the military deployment in Puerto Rico‌ and the Caribbean related ‌to the situation with Venezuela, and was⁢ not slated for exercises. She‌ also ​noted military presence in Aguadilla and​ Camp Santiago, in Salinas.

Adding to the heightened alert, the FAA issued a preventative advisory for‍ all Puerto Rican airspace, effective from November 18, 2025, to February 16, 2026, citing a “possibly dangerous situation” due to increased military operations.

The renewed militarization is facing ​opposition from both political leaders and citizens. New York Congresswoman Nydia velázquez, the highest-ranking puerto Rican in Congress, voiced her concerns in a recent interview, criticizing⁤ the ⁣use of Puerto⁢ Rico “as a platform to attack Venezuela.” Demonstrations have also taken place across the island, with protesters carrying signs demanding “gringos out of the Caribbean!” -⁤ a clear expression of⁤ the deep-seated resentment and fear surrounding the‌ return of ​a ⁣meaningful US military presence.