Summary
President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. sees drug cartels as "unlawful combatants" with whom it is in a "non-international armed conflict." This statement comes after U.S. military actions against drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Some lawmakers and experts have raised legal and constitutional concerns about these actions.
Key Facts
- Trump informed Congress that his administration views drug cartels as unlawful combatants.
- The U.S. recently conducted military strikes against drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, resulting in 17 deaths.
- Some experts and rights groups argue these actions may be illegal under U.S. and international law.
- Trump has labeled certain drug cartels as "narco-terrorists," equating them to terrorist organizations.
- The U.S. President can take military actions for immediate self-defense, but Congress usually must authorize broader military actions or declarations of war.
- There is no current Congressional authorization for force that applies to the Caribbean strikes.
- Some Congress members, particularly Democrats, have expressed concern over the legality and secrecy of these actions.
- Other lawmakers, especially Republicans, support Trump's actions against the drug cartels.
