Trump Declares Armed Conflict with Latin American Drug Cartels

On October 1, 2025, President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that the United States is engaged in a "non-international armed conflict" with designated terrorist organizations, specifically Latin American drug cartels. This declaration followed a series of U.S. military strikes targeting vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. The administration justified these actions by classifying cartel members as "unlawful combatants," a designation that permits the use of military force under the law of armed conflict.

In September 2025, the U.S. military conducted multiple strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 individuals. These vessels were alleged to be involved in drug smuggling operations originating from countries like Venezuela. President Trump shared videos of some strikes on his Truth Social account, showcasing burning vessels.

The administration's memo to Congress stated that the United States has reached a critical point necessitating the use of force in self-defense against these designated terrorist organizations. The memo further elaborated that these cartels are transnational entities conducting ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere, justifying their classification as non-state armed groups and their designation as terrorist organizations.

The administration's actions have sparked significant debate regarding their legality and transparency. Critics have questioned the evidence supporting the terrorist designations and raised concerns about potential extrajudicial killings. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed alarm over the President's unilateral decision to wage secret wars without congressional authorization or public knowledge.

International responses have been mixed. Some leaders have condemned the U.S. strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law. Venezuelan officials, in particular, have decried the U.S. military actions near their coast, accusing Washington of pushing for regime change under the guise of counter-narcotics operations.

This development marks a significant escalation in the U.S. approach to combating drug trafficking organizations. While the U.S. has previously designated certain groups as foreign terrorist organizations, the formal declaration of an armed conflict against these entities is unprecedented. The administration's legal argument echoes the post-9/11 framework used against al-Qaeda, though experts highlight differences between the threats posed by terrorist organizations and drug cartels.

The administration's actions could have far-reaching implications:

• Legal Precedents: The use of military force against non-state actors without explicit congressional authorization may set a precedent for future executive actions.

• International Relations: The strikes have the potential to strain diplomatic relations with Latin American countries, particularly Venezuela, and could lead to retaliatory measures.

• Domestic Policy: The militarization of the war on drugs raises questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and the role of the military in law enforcement activities.

The Trump administration's declaration of armed conflict against Latin American drug cartels represents a significant shift in U.S. drug policy, moving from a law enforcement approach to a military strategy. This move has sparked intense legal debates and international criticism, highlighting the complexities and potential consequences of militarizing the fight against drug trafficking.