The Trump administration issued a memo to Congress on Thursday asserting that the United States is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels, labeling them as “terrorist organizations.” The document stated that President Donald Trump directed actions under his constitutional authority as Commander in Chief to protect American interests and national security. It cited escalating threats from cartels, including their “financial means, sophistication, and paramilitary capabilities,” which the administration claims have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually.
The memo emphasized that cartels operate as transnational groups, conducting attacks across the Western Hemisphere. It outlined plans for military operations against these entities under the law of armed conflict. The notification followed criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who accused the administration of overstepping its authority in using military force against drug smugglers.
Recent strikes on vessels in the Caribbean were highlighted as part of the campaign. On September 2, Trump claimed U.S. forces killed “Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists” linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, though 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 deaths, according to the administration.
