1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean, which President Trump claims killed 11 Venezuelan narco-terrorists. This action raises serious questions about its legality and justification under both international and U.S. law. The administration has failed to provide evidence supporting their claims about the boat's activities or its occupants. More alarmingly, this strike was conducted without Congressional authorization, and the White House has not explained how the Constitution permits such an attack. As Brian Finucane, a national security lawyer with the International Crisis Group, points out, the premeditated killing of individuals outside of an armed conflict could potentially be considered murder. It's crucial to note that the U.S. is not in a declared armed conflict with Tren de Aragua or any other criminal entity in Latin America. Simply designating a group as a foreign terrorist organization does not grant authority to use military force against them. Moreover, even if the claims about drug trafficking were true, this does not justify the use of military force. Such situations should be handled through law enforcement and established maritime interdiction procedures. The administration's attempt to frame confrontations with criminal entities in Latin America as a 'new war on terror' is deeply problematic and potentially dangerous. Even if their claims about threats to American lives were substantiated, it would not provide sufficient basis for the use of lethal force under international law. I urge you to call for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into this military action. We need to ensure that our foreign policy adheres to international law, respects the Constitution, and maintains the checks and balances crucial to our democracy. Please demand accountability from the administration and work to prevent any further unauthorized military actions that could have severe diplomatic and legal consequences.