September 10, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – “The threats coming from drug trafficker and dictator Nicolás Maduro expose the gangster-like nature of his regime. As Governor of Puerto Rico, I will continue to stand firm in defending the security of our island and the Caribbean against drug trafficking and his cartel. The violence and drugs that reach our streets as a result of his operations steal the peace, and the lives, of our people.

We said it throughout the campaign: sectors of the Puerto Rican left, and now the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), instead of condemning Maduro and standing in solidarity with the Venezuelan people who suffer under his rule, choose to defend a criminal by echoing his propaganda and even justifying his attacks. Today we see that script play out once again as they side with a dictator who threatens our people rather than defending our American nation.

The president of the PDP and the leadership of the Puerto Rico Independence Party (PIP) openly back Maduro in this fight against drug trafficking instead of standing where they should: with our people, with regional security, and with the thousands of Puerto Ricans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Puerto Rico has always stood with democracy and freedom. My duty as Governor is to ensure the safety of all Puerto Ricans and to strengthen our alliance with the federal government in defense of our region.”

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