1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I urge Congress to address reports of extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers in international waters, which represent a fundamental violation of international law and human rights principles. The targeting and killing of suspected criminals without due process constitutes a breach of constitutional protections and the rule of law. These actions violate Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment due process rights, contravene international maritime law and human rights treaties, and undermine core principles of presumption of innocence and fair trial rights. Such operations damage relationships with allied nations, set dangerous precedents that other countries could exploit, and risk escalating international tensions. Intelligence used to identify targets may be flawed, leading to wrongful deaths. The lack of oversight prevents proper accountability for these operations. I urge you to demand full transparency regarding any U.S. involvement in such operations, introduce legislation requiring Congressional oversight of lethal operations in international waters, advocate for increased funding for international judicial cooperation and extradition processes, and push for adherence to international law in all counternarcotics operations. While combating drug trafficking is important, it must be conducted within legal bounds and with respect for human rights. Our nation must uphold the highest standards of justice and constitutional principles, pursuing alternative approaches that focus on international cooperation and judicial processes rather than extrajudicial killings.