1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I write to express grave concern and strong opposition to Operation Southern Spear, in which the United States has carried out at least 20 attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing approximately 80 people. While the Defense Department claims these operations target drug smuggling, the administration has provided neither evidence substantiating these claims nor legal justification for executing individuals without trial, arrest, or due process. These extrajudicial killings violate fundamental principles of American jurisprudence and international law, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial enshrined in our Constitution. Even if those killed were engaged in criminal activity, summary execution is not a lawful or moral response in a democracy governed by the rule of law. I urge you to demand immediate congressional oversight of Operation Southern Spear, including transparent reporting on the legal basis for these attacks, evidence supporting the targeting decisions, and accountability measures for wrongful deaths. Congress must assert its constitutional authority over military operations and ensure that our nation's actions reflect our stated values of justice and the rule of law. I call on you to champion legislation that prohibits extrajudicial killings and requires adherence to established legal frameworks governing the use of military force. Our national security does not require abandoning the principles that define us as a nation.