The Trump administration issued a memo to Congress on Thursday stating the United States is engaged “in a non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. The document classified the cartels as “terrorist organizations,” citing their escalating violence and transnational operations.
“The President directed these actions consistent with his responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct foreign relations,” the memo stated. It argued that the cartels’ “cumulative effects of hostile acts against the citizens and interests of the United States” justified the designation.
The memo highlighted the cartels’ “financial means, sophistication, and paramilitary capabilities,” claiming they “illegally and directly cause the deaths of tens of thousands of American citizens each year.” It cited recent military strikes in the Caribbean, including an attack on vessels linked to the Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists, which Trump claimed killed 11 individuals. Venezuelan authorities disputed this, stating those killed were not affiliated with the group.
A second strike on September 15 targeted another vessel, resulting in three “terrorists” being killed, according to the administration. The memo emphasized the cartels’ “transnational” reach and their role in smuggling narcotics into the United States. Critics, including Democrats on congressional committees, have accused the administration of overstepping its authority by deploying military forces against drug trafficking organizations.