In a statement that has sent shockwaves through political circles, Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance has proposed a radical and controversial solution to the US immigration crisis: turning a blind eye to Venezuelan cocaine shipments.
The Ohio Senator, recently chosen as Donald Trump's running mate, argued that the US should cease intercepting drug boats from Venezuela, claiming this concession would persuade President Nicolás Maduro to accept deported migrants from the United States.
'A Great Deal' For America?
Vance framed this unusual proposal during a podcast interview, stating, "If the Venezuelans are willing to take back their citizens who are here illegally, and we have to make some sort of concession - like we're not going to interdict the cocaine shipments that are coming from Venezuela - that is actually a great deal for the United States of America."
This suggestion represents a stark departure from decades of US drug enforcement policy and has drawn immediate criticism from across the political spectrum.
Political Backlash and Security Concerns
National security experts have expressed alarm at the proposition, highlighting that Venezuela has become a major hub for drug trafficking under Maduro's regime, with numerous officials already sanctioned for narcotics ties.
The suggestion also appears at odds with the traditionally hardline Republican stance on both immigration and the war on drugs, creating unexpected divisions within the party just months before the presidential election.
As Vance settles into his role as Trump's potential second-in-command, this controversial position is likely to face intense scrutiny and could significantly impact the campaign's messaging on both border security and foreign policy.
