Velázquez Sounds Alarm Over Reports of Potential Ammunition Destruction in Vieques, Demands Answers from DoD

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raising concerns about the Department of Defense’s ongoing military exercises in Puerto Rico and the possibility of renewed activity in Vieques, where residents are still dealing with the long-term impacts of decades of U.S. Navy operations.
 
Velázquez points to local reports indicating that, beginning January 13, 2025, military personnel have been authorized to destroy inoperable ammunition in Vieques that is not part of the federally mandated cleanup. She writes that this possibility is particularly troubling given the island’s long history of military contamination, displacement, and the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance.
 
“This is of great concern due to the nature of Vieques’ history with the U.S. military and the risk of halting cleanup activities that are mandated by law.”
 
In her letter, Velázquez details the decades-long record of harm caused by U.S. military operations in Vieques, including mass expropriation, weapons testing, and the health and environmental consequences that remain today.
 
“Today, Vieques has some of the worst sickness rates when compared to the rest of Puerto Rico: cancer prevalence is 27 times higher, residents are eight times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease, and seven times more likely to die of diabetes.  And, unfortunately, health and safety risks are still present, as extensive amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain across Vieques’ land and surrounding waters,” wrote Velázquez.
 
Cleanup efforts are expected to continue for at least another decade on land and even longer in surrounding waters. Velázquez stresses that any new detonations or military activities in Vieques could jeopardize that work and further erode public trust.
 
The letter also raises concerns about intensified military operations elsewhere in Puerto Rico, including expanded activity at Roosevelt Roads, Ramey, and Muñiz; amphibious and flight exercises at Camp Santiago; the arrival of F-35 fighter jets; and the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in southern Puerto Rico.
 
The letter notes that Puerto Ricans have been left without clear information about how these operations may affect them.
 
“While Puerto Rico’s soil and waters are actively exploited by the armed forces, the public remains in the dark about how these operations will affect the well-being of their communities,” continued Velázquez.
 
The letter calls for full transparency and firm assurances that remediation efforts in Vieques will not be disrupted.
 
“The public deserves unequivocal assurance that no military operation will undermine or delay the progress of the Vieques cleanup, which has been supported by at least $327 million appropriated by Congress.”
 
Velázquez requests a Member-level briefing from the Department of Defense no later than December 4, 2025, outlining the reasoning behind the heightened military presence, the scope of current and planned exercises, the status of cleanup efforts, and any agreements with the Puerto Rico government.

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was also signed by Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL).
 
A PDF of the letter can be found here.
 

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