Controversial Military Strikes on Drug Smuggling Boats Spark Debate
A report states that President Donald Trump and his top White House aides pushed for lethal strikes on Western Hemisphere drug traffickers, with officialss questioning the legality of the policy. Critics say two people familiar with the matter expressed concerns over the sensitivity of speaking out. Legal experts and some lawmakers argue that using military force in international waters against alleged criminals bypasses due process, violates law enforcement norms, lacks a clear legal foundation under U.S. and international law, and is not justified by the cartels’ terrorist designation.
Trump took immediate action against drug smuggling with an executive order issued shortly after his inauguration for a second term, when he designated drug cartels as enemies of America, “DESIGNATING CARTELS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS AND SPECIALLY DESIGNATED GLOBAL TERRORISTS.” A group of Democrats released a video urging military service personnel to “refuse illegal orders” from President Trump. Those participating in the call to action included Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.
The reaction continues to reverberate after immediate pushback from Trump, who said the lawmakers were “in serious trouble” and declared, “These are people that, in my opinion, broke the law.” Trump added, “I’m not threatening them, but I think they’re in serious trouble.” War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted about one of the latest strikes against a drug smuggling boat, stating, “Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.”
