Over 70 lawmakers from North and South America, including figures from the U.S., Canada, and Colombia, demand that the Trump administration cease its deadly campaign against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Critics label the actions as extrajudicial killings at sea.

“The rights to life, due process, and protection against arbitrary force are integral to democratic rule of law. Allegations of drug trafficking do not override these protections or justify lethal force against individuals posing no imminent threat,” lawmakers expressed in a two-page statement on Tuesday.

Since September last year, the U.S. military has conducted lethal strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels, claiming over 220 lives. These actions have been criticized by human rights advocates and legal experts as violations of international law. U.S. officials justify these operations as efforts to combat illicit drug flow and dismantle ‘narco-terrorist’ networks. Critics point out that the U.S. has not substantiated claims that these boats carry drugs.

The U.S. military confirmed a minimum of 70 strikes across the South American continent, resulting in 234 deaths since the campaign began on September 2, 2025. Lawmakers express concerns that these illegal operations might involve support from other governments through intelligence sharing, access to military bases, and logistical aid. They highlighted that offering assistance in such operations holds states accountable under international law.

The White House did not respond to The Hill’s request for comments. U.N. human rights expert Ben Saul emphasized on Monday that these strikes breach international law and might qualify as ‘crimes against humanity.’ He noted that there is no recognized right to use force in self-defense against groups labeled as terrorist organizations.

Additionally, U.S. Southern Command troops have targeted other vessels in the Eastern Pacific, described as ‘floating refueling stations.’ Instead of detonating these larger boats with crew aboard, the U.S. military utilizes helicopters to remove the crew before launching attacks.

Lawmakers emphasize that addressing drug trafficking and organized crime requires effective international cooperation grounded in international law, respect for human rights and sovereignty, accountability, transparency, diligent judicial work, and democratic security policy oversight.

Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, I’m Filip Timotija — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill, and beyond. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and in the future: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin said Tuesday that inflation could decline “soon,” but acknowledged prices might remain high amid the Iran war.

In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: CIA director meets with Zelensky at an airport in Ireland CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at an airport in Ireland on Monday. On Tap Tomorrow Events in and around the defense world: The Atlantic Council will host the “Nuclear Energy Policy Summit 2026” starting tomorrow.