mainly fishermen and agricultural workers, live on Vieques when the Navy expropriates 72 percent of the land. Dozens of residents refuse to leave but are forcibly removed when bulldozers come to take down their homes. The U.S. "reconcentrates" residents in the center of the island sandwiched between military bases. Many farmers lose their agricultural land and fishing areas and are forced into poverty or migrate to mainland Puerto Rico or to the U.S. in search of employment.

In 1979, fishermen and supporters block naval maneuvers pointing to the extensive environmental damage taking place; they are arrested. Protests continue, and again in 1989 Navy officials clash with protestors. After Rodriguez’ death, protests intensify. People from all over the world join the islanders.