President Trump justified the U.S. raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by accusing him of leading a “campaign of deadly narco-terrorism” responsible for “hundreds of thousands” of American deaths. However, experts cited by the Los Angeles Times strongly question those claims, noting that Venezuela plays a limited role in the U.S. drug supply and none in fentanyl trafficking, which drives most overdose deaths.

Researchers say Trump’s assertions go far beyond the evidence laid out in Maduro’s indictment and contradict years of narcotics data showing Mexico and Colombia as far more significant actors.

Jorja Leap, UCLA social welfare professor, said Trump’s focus on Maduro and Venezuelan gangs “not only belies reality but also belittles the work of researchers who know better.” She added, “Aside from making it a political issue, this is disrespecting the work of researchers, social activists, community organizers and law enforcement who have worked on this problem on the ground and understand every aspect of it,” calling the rhetoric “political theater.”