Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. have been growing and growing in recent months,

and last Wednesday, the pressure point was oil.

As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large.

Largest one ever seized, actually.

The U.S. government says the tanker was filled with illegal oil

headed to the black market in violation of sanctions. Well, we keep it, I guess. The seizure was an

unprecedented move, and it represents an escalation in this standoff between the two countries.

In recent months, the U.S. has struck nearly two dozen suspected drug boats in nearby waters,

issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela, and increased its naval presence in the Caribbean.

Trump says this conflict is in part because of immigration to the U.S.

Well, it's about a lot of things, but one of the things it's about is the fact that they've allowed millions of people

to come into our country from their prisons, from gangs, from drug dealers, and from mental institutions, probably proportionately more than anybody else.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's leader, Nicholas Maduro, says the U.S. is only interested in his country's oil reserves.

Because yesterday, they're an act absolutely criminal and illegal. his country's oil reserves.

Last Thursday, he compared the seizure of the tanker to pirates of the Caribbean,

saying the U.S. acted criminally and illegally.

Consider this.

The U.S. has long had economic and political interests in Venezuela,

and the oil industry of the South American nation has been a key part of that relationship.

From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow.

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