Dec. 1, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Our member of congress, Ben Cline, has been all-in on this administration’s attempts to punish narco traffickers, even if it means ICE raids that detain and deport innocent people, or military killings of Venezuelans in boats, without providing evidence that they are actually running drugs. So, it is interesting that we have not heard a word from him about Trump’s plan to pardon former Honduran president, Juan Hernandez.
Hernandez was convicted of running a violent, cartel-backed empire that trafficked 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. and terrorized communities across Central America. He deployed police and military forces to protect cocaine shipments, used death squads to intimidate opponents, and openly branded drugs with his initials while profiting from American drug deaths.
Trump’s only stated reason for the pardon is that Hernandez has been treated “harshly and unfairly.” Compared to the lack of due process and treatment of countless others swept up in his anti-trafficking net, this is laughable. Hernandez was given a fair trial. In fact, much of the investigation occurred during Trump’s first term, and one of the lead investigators was Emil Bove, Trump’s handpicked lawyer, now judge. The conviction marked a critical victory for international anti-corruption and anti-drug efforts.
This pardon would embolden violent networks across the region and would signal to the world that power and money can shield narco-criminals from justice. Our senator, Tim Kaine, and others in congress have spoken out about the dangers of such a pardon. We anxiously await Ben Cline’s comments. ANNETTE GREEN Rockbridge County
