HOUSTON – The Trump administration is deploying warships, aircraft, and additional troops to the Caribbean, describing the move as a mission to crack down on drug cartels operating in the region.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is calling it an “act of aggression,” accusing Washington of threatening his country’s peace and stability.

In Houston, which is home to one of the nation’s largest Venezuelan communities, the announcement triggered mixed reactions — concern over escalating tensions, but also hope that added pressure on Maduro could create a path for families to finally return to Venezuela.

EN ESPANOL: Venezolanos en Houston dicen que la presión militar de EE. UU. sobre Maduro les da esperanza de regresar a casa

“We want to rebuild”

Dana Jimenez, who fled Venezuela and

See Full Page