US Military Spending on Latin America Operations Hits $4.7 Billion

The report, authored by Hanna Homestead of the Institute for Policy Studies and Jennifer Kavanagh of Defense Priorities, highlights the mounting human and financial toll of what researchers call the "Donroe Doctrine." Between September 2025 and March 2026, U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific killed at least 163 people. Survivors have reported instances of torture, while families of the victims maintain the targets were local fishers with no connection to illicit trades. No evidence of narcotics has been provided by the Pentagon to justify these attacks.

Beyond the maritime strikes, the broader regional intervention—including the raid on the Venezuelan capital—has resulted in approximately 75 confirmed fatalities, among them 32 Cuban personnel and 23 Venezuelan security officers. Despite these mounting costs and the lack of congressional authorization, the administration continues to expand its regional footprint, including troop deployments to Ecuador and threats against Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia.

Researchers warn that the $4.7 billion figure is a conservative estimate that excludes long-term expenses like veterans' benefits. As the national debt approaches $40 trillion, the White House is seeking a record $1.5 trillion in military funding, even as domestic social programs face significant cuts. Homestead noted that the government prioritizes imperialist violence over the basic healthcare and economic stability of its own citizens, fueling a cycle of spending that primarily benefits private defense contractors.