Over 70 lawmakers from North and South America, including the United States, Canada, and Colombia, have urged the Trump administration to terminate its lethal strike initiative against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. They describe these actions as extrajudicial killings occurring at sea.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, lawmakers emphasized the importance of the right to life, due process, and protection against the arbitrary use of force as fundamental principles of democratic governance that their countries are committed to uphold. They assert that allegations of drug trafficking do not sidestep these protections and do not justify lethal force against individuals who do not pose an immediate threat.
Since early September of last year, the U.S. military has launched deadly attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in the deaths of more than 220 ‘narco-terrorists.’ Human rights advocates and legal specialists have argued that these actions are violations of international law.
Officials from the Trump administration contend that these operations are part of efforts to reduce the flow of illicit drugs and dismantle ‘narco-terrorist’ networks in the region. However, U.S. officials have not provided conclusive evidence that the targeted fast boats were transporting drugs.
The U.S. military has conducted at least 70 strikes around both sides of the South American continent, resulting in the deaths of 234 ‘narco-terrorists’ since the campaign began on September 2, 2025. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that these harmful and illegal operations may be supported through intelligence sharing, military base access, logistical support, and other forms of cooperation from other governments.
They warned that under international law, states may bear responsibility when providing aid or assistance in the commission of internationally wrongful acts intended to facilitate such activities. The White House has not commented on The Hill’s request.
Ben Saul, a prominent U.N. human rights expert, stated that the lethal boat strikes breach international law and could amount to ‘crimes against humanity.’ Saul noted that there is no right to use force in self-defense against criminal groups listed as terrorist organizations. He wrote in an in-depth paper that even if attacks were carried out on members of criminal groups labeled as terrorists, these organizations have not launched any ‘armed attack’ on the U.S. to justify a self-defense response.
Recently, U.S. forces in the U.S. Southern Command theater have shifted their focus in the Eastern Pacific to larger fishing boats, claiming they are ‘floating refueling stations.’ Instead of destroying these boats with the crew still on board, the U.S. military now uses helicopters to hover over the water and have Marines board and remove the crew before launching an assault.
Lawmakers have stated that addressing drug trafficking and transnational organized crime necessitates effective international cooperation rooted in international law, human rights respect, national sovereignty, accountability, and transparency. They emphasize the importance of thorough investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial pursuits, as well as a commitment to tackle corruption and ensure democratic oversight of security policies.
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