Lawmakers across the Americas call for US to stop drug boat strikes

More than 70 lawmakers from the United States, Canada, and several Latin American countries have urged the Trump administration to halt its “drug boat strike” campaign, citing concerns over civilian casualties and the lack of evidence that the strikes effectively curb drug trafficking. The bipartisan group of legislators, which includes representatives from both the U.S. Congress and parliaments in Colombia, Mexico, and other Caribbean nations, argues that the campaign’s high‑risk tactics have led to unintended deaths and strained diplomatic relations with partner countries.

The campaign, launched in 2018, has involved U.S. Navy and Coast Guard aircraft targeting vessels suspected of transporting narcotics across the Caribbean and Central American waters. Critics point to a series of incidents in which civilians, including children, were reported injured or killed when the targeted boats were struck. The lawmakers also highlight that the U.S. has not provided transparent data on the number of strikes or the outcomes, raising questions about accountability and adherence to international law.

In response to the congressional letter, the Department of Defense has reiterated its commitment to “protecting the United States and its allies from drug trafficking” while assuring that all operations comply with legal standards. However, the call for an immediate pause in the campaign signals growing pressure from the Americas to re‑evaluate the strategy and explore alternative, less lethal approaches to combating drug smuggling.