The Venezuelan-American community, led by IVAC, is organizing a caravan to Washington, D.C., on March 25 to warn U.S. lawmakers about the threats posed by Nicolás Maduro’s regime. They argue that the regime endangers U.S. security through drug trafficking, terrorism, and other criminal activities. Through direct engagement with Congress, IVAC seeks to advocate for the removal of Maduro, framing it as a matter of national security, not just foreign policy.
Members of the Venezuelan-American community are mobilizing to underscore the perceived threats posed by Nicolás Maduro’s regime to the security of the United States. The Venezuelan-American civic organization, IVAC, is organizing its fourth caravan to Washington, D.C., scheduled for March 25, with the intention of conveying a clear message: Maduro’s network endangers American interests.
During an interview with The Latin Times, IVAC leader Eduardo Ackerman elaborated that the caravan will involve delivering 545 letters to members of Congress and the Senate. These letters illustrate the hardships endured by Venezuelans due to the regime and detail the ongoing risks that it presents to the United States.
Ackerman stated, “Maduro’s cartel isn’t just a problem for Venezuela—it’s a danger to America.” IVAC contends that the Venezuelan regime is a facilitator of international crime, posing several risks, including:
– Drug trafficking: Venezuela has become a central hub for cocaine smuggling into the U.S.
– Terrorist connections: Groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas are suspected to be active in the region.
– Chinese and Russian influence: Maduro’s alliances with these countries present strategic threats to the U.S.
– Passport fraud: Instances of issuing passports to foreign nationals without proper scrutiny have been reported.
– Uncontrolled migration: Criminal organizations are reportedly exploiting migrant flows.
– Drone warfare capabilities: Venezuela’s acquisition of drones raises military safety concerns.
As Ackerman emphasized, “This is not just a humanitarian crisis. It is a national security crisis.” Previous caravans have garnered support from U.S. lawmakers, including prominent representatives from Florida. For this event, IVAC is expanding its participant base, with individuals traveling from 21 cities, including Miami and Orlando, and various states.
The participants aim to personally engage with Congressional and Senate offices, emphasizing that their advocacy extends beyond compassion. “We are showing them that removing Maduro is in America’s best interest,” stated Ackerman. IVAC has previously sought U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime, asserting that the current U.S. strategy falls short.
Ackerman referenced remarks from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that “all options should be on the table.” By advocating for the removal of Maduro, IVAC believes it can restore democracy to Venezuela and diminish the influence of its allies in Cuba and Nicaragua. Ackerman further indicated that the ultimate aim is to convert Venezuela from a liability into a strategic economic partner for the United States.
Ignoring the political engagement of the approximately 650,000 eligible Venezuelan Americans is not feasible. IVAC firmly believes that supporting efforts to remove Maduro transcends foreign policy considerations—it is fundamentally a national security matter. “We do not want American soldiers fighting in Venezuela,” Ackerman stated, affirming the desire for a robust and strategic response to mitigate this threat. The March 25 caravan is anticipated to create a significant impact on Capitol Hill, reinforcing IVAC’s mission to advocate for Venezuelans while safeguarding American interests.
The Venezuelan-American community, led by IVAC, is actively mobilizing to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which they assert impacts U.S. national security. By delivering letters to Congress, they aim to advocate for action against Maduro’s government and highlight the broader implications of inaction. Through their efforts, they seek to transform Venezuela into a strategic ally for the United States, underlining the importance of political engagement among Venezuelan Americans.
Original Source: www.inkl.com