In a series of classified briefings to Congress, Trump administration officials have asserted that US military strikes against suspected drug traffickers do not require the identification of individual targets, as long as their behaviors match intelligence profiles indicative of "narco-terrorist" activity. This stance, which labels those killed as "enemy KIA" (killed in action), mirrors arguments employed by previous administrations to justify signature strikes against terrorist networks in regions like the Middle East and Afghanistan, where attacks were based on patterns rather than specific identities. The policy has sparked bipartisan concerns over legality, oversight, and potential escalation in Latin America.The campaign began on September 2, 2025, with the first strike targeting a boat operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, resulting in 11 deaths. Since then, the US military has conducted 20 strikes, destroying 21 vessels and killing approximately 80 individuals, primarily using drones armed with Hellfire missiles and AC-130J gunships. These operations, focused initially on fentanyl trafficking in the Caribbean and tied to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime, have expanded to cocaine routes in the Pacific. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has likened drug cartels to terrorists, dubbing them the "Al-Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere" and warning, "My advice to foreign terrorist organizations, do not get in a boat."During a late October 2025 briefing, Pentagon officials informed lawmakers that they lacked the names of those targeted and had no documentation for potential prosecutions, yet classified the victims as "enemy combatants" based on intelligence assessments. A source familiar with the session recounted their surprise: "I was like, wait a minute, enemy KIA, what war am I missing?" This approach aligns with signature strikes, where targets are selected based on observable traits—such as vessel speed, route, or modifications suggesting drug transport—rather than confirmed identities. Retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian explained, "In the Caribbean, that means that if a vessel exhibits characteristics a, b, and c, then it is presumed to be running drugs."The legal backbone for these actions stems from a Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion, first reported on October 6, 2025, which authorizes treating traffickers as enemy combatants eligible for summary execution without judicial review, citing presidential Article II powers. The administration has further argued to Congress that the War Powers Resolution—requiring congressional approval for military actions lasting over 60 days—does not apply, as these are not considered "hostilities." This echoes defenses used by the Bush, Obama, and prior Trump administrations for drone campaigns against al-Qaeda and ISIS, where signature strikes were justified as necessary for counterterrorism without individualized targeting. On X, users have drawn direct comparisons, with one noting, "Trump's Venezuelan boat strikes are reminiscent of Obama's 'signature strikes'" but highlighting differences in congressional authorization.A subsequent classified briefing on November 5, 2025, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hegseth, addressed lawmakers' questions but failed to provide detailed strike-by-strike accounts or clarify the campaign's endgame. Democrats, in particular, voiced alarm. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) stated, "There’s nothing that was said that changed my mind that they are making illegal strikes." Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) criticized the lack of "granularity," comparing it unfavorably to typical Defense Department debriefs. Representative Jason Crow (D-CO) lamented, "They have learned nothing from our last 25 years," pointing to the absence of a comprehensive strategy.International fallout has been significant. The UK has halted intelligence sharing, deeming the strikes illegal, while Colombia suspended cooperation until operations cease, with President Gustavo Petro arguing the approach precludes trials. Mexico was not informed ahead of an October 27, 2025, strike near its waters, leading to diplomatic tensions. Domestically, experts warn of escalation risks, with the administration planning a military buildup, including deploying the Ford Carrier Strike Group.
As the Senate considers measures to limit actions against Venezuela, this policy revives debates over executive war powers and the expansion of counterterrorism tactics to drug enforcement. Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters see it as a bold step against fentanyl flows. With no congressional authorization sought, the campaign's future hinges on ongoing oversight battles.