Stop Unauthorized U.S. Bombings of Boats in the Caribbean

I write as a deeply concerned constituent regarding the escalation of U.S. military operations involving lethal strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean alleged to be connected to drug trafficking. These operations were addressed in a December 15, 2025 article by The New York Times, which detailed U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats and raised serious questions about civilian harm, legal authority, and congressional oversight. Since early September 2025, U.S. forces have carried out dozens of strikes on small boats in international waters, resulting in at least 90 deaths. This marks a sharp departure from traditional civilian-led counternarcotics enforcement toward sustained military force, with grave consequences for human life and regional stability. Clarify the Legal Limits on Executive Use of Lethal Force in International Waters These strikes raise serious constitutional and legal concerns. Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to authorize the use of military force, yet these operations appear to be proceeding without explicit congressional approval. International law permits lethal force outside active armed conflict only under narrow conditions, such as an imminent threat to life. There has been no public showing that the vessels or individuals targeted met that standard, raising concerns that these actions may constitute unlawful extrajudicial killings. Protect Human Life by Demanding Transparency and Accountability The humanitarian implications are profound. Dozens of people have been killed, yet the identities of those killed, the evidence supporting targeting decisions, and the governing rules of engagement have not been publicly disclosed. Reports that some vessels were struck multiple times, even after survivors were visible, intensify concerns about compliance with the laws of armed conflict and erode public trust. Act Decisively to Prevent Future Unauthorized Military Strikes I urge Congress to act immediately by holding oversight hearings with senior defense, intelligence, and justice officials; demanding disclosure of legal opinions and targeting criteria relied upon by the executive branch; investigating potential violations of the War Powers Resolution and other applicable laws; and passing legislation that prohibits the use of U.S. military lethal force against civilian or suspected trafficking vessels in international waters without clear congressional authorization. Congress should also require regular public reporting on any future military involvement in counternarcotics operations. These steps are essential to uphold the Constitution, protect human life, and ensure that decisions involving war and lethal force are made through lawful and democratic processes.