Overview

• The administration confirms a Sept. 2 U.S. military strike in international waters destroyed a small vessel and killed 11 people it says were members of Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
• In a Sept. 4 notice to congressional leaders, President Trump framed the action as Article II self‑defense and signaled more operations could follow, but lawmakers say classified briefings were canceled and key committees still lack the legal rationale.
• U.S. forces have repositioned to the southern Caribbean, including ten F‑35s in Puerto Rico, as War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine visited the island and the Pentagon reported a “highly provocative” Venezuelan overflight of a U.S. ship.
• Senior officials have defended lethal force against cartels—Vice President JD Vance likened the rules of engagement to wartime and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said partners would help “find these people and blow them up”—while legal experts argue interdiction was the lawful option.
• At home, DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz targeting noncitizens in Chicago, prompting pushback from Illinois leaders and civil groups, as Rep. Greg Casar advanced an NDAA amendment to block funds for any use of military force in or against Venezuela.