President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants, formally placing the United States in an “armed conflict” with them, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press. The unprecedented move follows recent U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean, intensifying debate over the scope of presidential war powers.
The memo, sent to Congress on 18th September, asserts that narcotics trafficking into the U.S. constitutes armed conflict and directs the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.” The document cites a 15th September strike that destroyed a vessel and its cargo, resulting in the deaths of “approximately three unlawful combatants.”
“The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” the memo reads. Trump reinforced his position in a White House statement: “We must use force in self-defence and defence of others against ongoing attacks by these organisations. I promised to take on the cartels, and I am delivering.”
The administration has deployed eight Navy warships and more than 5,000 personnel to the Caribbean, signalling one of the largest U.S. maritime operations in the region in recent years. At least two of the strikes targeted vessels originating from Venezuela, further complicating U.S. relations in the hemisphere.
Critics, however, warn the move risks stretching the boundaries of international law. “This is a very far stretch of international law and a dangerous one,” said Matthew Waxman, a former national security official under President George W. Bush. “It means the U.S. can target members of cartels with lethal force, and capture and detain them without trial.” He compared the justification to the Bush administration’s war against al-Qaida following the 9/11 attacks — but noted Bush had congressional authorisation, unlike Trump.
Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concern. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the strikes “deeply troubling,” stating, “every American should be alarmed that their President has decided he can wage secret wars against anyone he calls an enemy.” Human rights groups have similarly questioned the legality of using the U.S. military for what are traditionally law enforcement operations.
While the White House maintains that the operations are consistent with international law and necessary to counter national security threats, Congress has yet to authorise military action against drug cartels. Pentagon briefings to senators and House staff in recent days revealed mounting frustrations from lawmakers, particularly over the lack of a publicly disclosed list of designated cartels.
Despite criticism, administration officials insist the campaign will continue. A White House spokesperson stated: “The President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores.” Analysts warn that further strikes are likely, and that U.S. military action could soon extend beyond maritime operations.
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