1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my grave concern over recent U.S. military actions near Venezuela and the potential escalation of tensions in the region. On September 2, 2023, the U.S. conducted a strike off Venezuela's coast, resulting in 11 deaths. This was followed by a covert deployment of F-35 planes to Puerto Rico, raising serious questions about the legality and oversight of our military operations. These actions, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's subsequent visit to Puerto Rico on September 8, 2023, suggest a troubling trend towards undeclared military engagement in the Southern hemisphere. While addressing international security concerns is important, unilateral military strikes risk violating international law and unnecessarily escalating conflicts. I urge you to take immediate action on two critical fronts. First, call for a thorough, independent investigation into these military operations, their authorization process, and whether proper congressional oversight was obtained. Second, push for the immediate removal of any military officials involved in potential war crimes or unauthorized use of force. It's crucial to note that Venezuela is not a source country for fentanyl production. Our military actions in this region cannot be justified under the pretext of combating the fentanyl crisis. This mischaracterization of the situation only serves to muddy the waters and potentially misdirect our resources and attention from the real sources of this deadly drug. The provocative flyby of Venezuelan fighter jets near a U.S. Navy ship two days after our strike demonstrates the dangerous potential for further conflict. We must prioritize diplomatic channels to address regional security concerns and avoid actions that could lead to unnecessary escalation. As your constituent, I implore you to prioritize accountability and adherence to international law in our military operations. The removal of officials involved in potential war crimes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our armed forces and our standing in the international community. Please take swift action to investigate these incidents, remove any officials found responsible for war crimes, and refocus our efforts on diplomatic solutions. I eagerly await your response detailing the specific steps you will take to address these critical issues and ensure our military actions align with our values, international law, and factual realities on the ground.