US Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Caribbean Boat Strikes
A group of rights watchdogs in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking clarity on the legal basis for its attacks on alleged drug trafficking vessels off Latin America. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with NYCLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights, is suing to obtain an opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) that justifies the strikes.
The lawsuit claims that the Trump administration's actions are "cold-blooded murder" and that officials who carried out the strikes must be held accountable. The group argues that the OLC has failed to disclose its justification for the strikes, despite repeated requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
According to the ACLU, at least 86 people have been killed in the strikes, which are widely considered illegal under both international and US law. Despite this, the administration continues to claim that the strikes are lawful acts in an alleged "armed conflict" with unspecified "drug cartels".
However, legal experts argue that this claim is baseless, as drug trafficking does not constitute an attack on the US or its citizens. The use of military force against ordinary civilians engaged in criminal activity is simply murder.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro has been accused by the Trump administration of coordinating the activities of criminal groups. The US has deployed a large contingent of forces to the region, leading speculation about a possible attack on Venezuela to topple Maduro.
Experts also question the impact of the strikes on drug flows, arguing that their effect is negligible. Instead, the campaign appears to be an attempt by the Trump administration to justify its actions and shore up its reputation for combating crime, rather than addressing the root causes of the problem.
The lawsuit seeks disclosure from the OLC regarding its justification for the strikes, which would provide clarity on the legal basis for the administration's actions. The groups hope that this disclosure will force accountability from officials who have carried out the strikes and ensure that such actions are never repeated in the future.
A group of rights watchdogs in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking clarity on the legal basis for its attacks on alleged drug trafficking vessels off Latin America. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with NYCLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights, is suing to obtain an opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) that justifies the strikes.
The lawsuit claims that the Trump administration's actions are "cold-blooded murder" and that officials who carried out the strikes must be held accountable. The group argues that the OLC has failed to disclose its justification for the strikes, despite repeated requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
According to the ACLU, at least 86 people have been killed in the strikes, which are widely considered illegal under both international and US law. Despite this, the administration continues to claim that the strikes are lawful acts in an alleged "armed conflict" with unspecified "drug cartels".
However, legal experts argue that this claim is baseless, as drug trafficking does not constitute an attack on the US or its citizens. The use of military force against ordinary civilians engaged in criminal activity is simply murder.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro has been accused by the Trump administration of coordinating the activities of criminal groups. The US has deployed a large contingent of forces to the region, leading speculation about a possible attack on Venezuela to topple Maduro.
Experts also question the impact of the strikes on drug flows, arguing that their effect is negligible. Instead, the campaign appears to be an attempt by the Trump administration to justify its actions and shore up its reputation for combating crime, rather than addressing the root causes of the problem.
The lawsuit seeks disclosure from the OLC regarding its justification for the strikes, which would provide clarity on the legal basis for the administration's actions. The groups hope that this disclosure will force accountability from officials who have carried out the strikes and ensure that such actions are never repeated in the future.
I'm getting really frustrated with these Trump admin attacks on Caribbean boat people. Like, what's next? They're saying it's a "armed conflict" but come on, those aren't even armed! It's just innocent civilians being killed for no reason. The US is always going on about freedom and justice, but when it comes to actually following the rules, they're all like "oh, we don't have to do that". And now there's a lawsuit trying to get some answers? It's way overdue. 
its like theyre just going around killing ppl left and right without any real intention of stopping the drugs or whatever. its so frustrating when we talk about justice for these people but no one seems to be holding anyone accountable 
at least this lawsuit is trying to shine a light on whats really going on here i hope they get some answers soon 
this is so not right 
! 86 people killed by the US? 
it's like, what even is the deal with that?! 
. it's not like they're attacking us or anything 
. and don't even get me started on the whole "drug cartels" thing 
. they need to stop playing politics with lives 
. can we pls just get some real answers from our government? 
. and now they're trying to justify it by saying the OLC hasn't disclosed its justification? that's just a huge load of BS 
. and don't even get me started on the impact on drug flows - it's not like these strikes are actually helping anything