1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about recent US military strikes against boats in international waters, which Human Rights Watch has condemned as unlawful extrajudicial killings. On September 2 and 15, 2025, our military conducted attacks on Venezuelan boats, resulting in at least 14 deaths. These actions, carried out under the guise of targeting 'narco-terrorists', violate international human rights law and our obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Trump administration's claim that these strikes targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan organized crime group, does not justify these actions. We are not in an armed conflict with Venezuela or these alleged criminal groups, making these strikes illegal under international law. UN human rights experts have rightly condemned these attacks as extrajudicial executions. Of equal concern is the dismantling of internal legal oversight mechanisms within our military, which increases the risk of future unlawful attacks. This erosion of checks and balances is a dangerous precedent that threatens our nation's commitment to the rule of law and human rights. I urge you to take immediate action. First, demand an immediate halt to these unlawful strikes. Second, initiate a congressional investigation into the decision-making process behind these attacks. We must hold our government accountable and ensure that our military operations adhere to international law and our own ethical standards. Consider the implications if another nation conducted similar strikes against US citizens in international waters. We would rightfully condemn such actions as illegal and unethical. We must apply the same standards to our own conduct on the global stage. The United States must lead by example in upholding human rights and international law. Our credibility as a nation and our moral standing in the world depend on it. I implore you to act swiftly and decisively to address this critical issue and prevent further extrajudicial killings in our name.