1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate congressional action to impeach, remove from office, and prosecute Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for ordering unlawful military strikes in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Since early September, at least 95 people have been killed across 25 known strikes on boats accused of drug smuggling, with no evidence of drug trafficking provided to the public or Congress. The most recent strikes on Monday killed eight more people across three vessels. These operations violate fundamental principles of international law and due process. The administration claims these strikes target designated terrorist organizations, yet provides no legal justification for extrajudicial killings on the high seas. One particularly egregious incident involved a follow-up strike that killed two survivors clinging to wreckage after an initial attack. This constitutes a potential war crime under international humanitarian law. The administration's assertion that the United States is in an armed conflict with drug cartels does not provide legal authority for these strikes. Congress has not authorized the use of military force against drug trafficking organizations, and the President cannot unilaterally declare war. Hegseth either lacks the basic understanding of constitutional law required for his position or is willfully ignoring legal constraints on military action. Either scenario demonstrates unfitness for office. Even military personnel reportedly have concerns about personal legal consequences for executing these orders. I urge you to take immediate action. First, support articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for ordering unlawful military operations. Second, ensure his removal from office and criminal prosecution for war crimes. Third, demand prosecution of all military personnel who executed these illegal orders, from command level down to those carrying out the strikes. Following illegal orders is not a defense under military law or international humanitarian law. Experts have expressed skepticism that these strikes will reduce drug overdose deaths in the United States. What they will accomplish is undermining the rule of law, damaging America's international standing, and exposing our nation to international condemnation. Congress must act now to stop this illegal campaign and hold all responsible parties accountable under the law.