Why did Reagan have the US invade Grenada?

President Ronald Reagan ordered the invasion of Grenada in October 1983 primarily to protect American citizens on the island and to counter the perceived threat of a Marxist government in the Caribbean. The U.S. government cited concerns about the safety of 1,000 American medical students and the influence of Cuba in the region. The invasion, dubbed Operation Urgent Fury, aimed to restore a pro-American government and eliminate the Soviet-backed regime. Reagan's administration framed the military action as necessary for regional stability and U.S. security interests.