Read, Watch or Listen

The Trump administration says boats destroyed in the Caribbean and Pacific were ferrying drugs, citing “incredible” intelligence, but has offered no specifics on the evidence or the nearly 40 people killed. Officials and briefings point to intercepted communications as the strongest basis, supplemented by imagery, yet experts warn such signals can be misread without corroboration. While U.S. collection on trafficking has expanded—largely via the military and NSA—gaps remain, including limited insight into some groups. The administration has not detailed who was on the boats beyond alleged smugglers.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.