Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., warned of "the possibility of a civil war in Nicaragua" and a subsequent "migratory crisis," blasting the Nicaraguan government for its lethal crackdown on protests.

"My biggest fear about Nicaragua, the possibility of a civil war in Nicaragua is real," Rubio told host Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union." "It would trigger a migratory crisis. It would undermine our anti-drug efforts in the region.

"There is a direct national security interest for the United States in seeing democracy and stability in Nicaragua."

This week, the United Nations warned of human rights violations by President Daniel Ortega's regime, which had killed nearly 300, according to Politico.

"The message to the Nicaraguan regime under Ortega was very clear, and that is: You call early elections, you allow legitimate elections, and this thing can move forward and everyone’s going to be fine," Rubio told Tapper. "But if you soak your hands in blood, all of that's off the table. They decided to soak their hands in blood.

"He's basically tried to burn down the university and has now waged war, attacked churches and is kidnapping people and the like. So, I think that opportunity is now gone for Ortega.

Rubio called Ortega "a dying man," and ripped his wife, Rosario Murillo, who he elevated to vice president, as "crazy" and "a lunatic."

"There's no future for them in power," Rubio concluded.

• Nicaragua Protesters Defy Ortega Crackdown
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