The Trump administration issued a memo to Congress on Thursday declaring the United States is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels, labeling them as “terrorist organizations.” The document stated that the President acted 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 it claimed have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually.

The memo emphasized that the administration’s military actions against cartels align with the law of armed conflict. It specifically referenced recent strikes on drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, including an September 15 operation targeting a vessel allegedly carrying narcotics. President Trump announced the strikes via Truth Social, claiming they eliminated “Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists” linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. At least 17 people were killed in these operations, though Venezuela denied ties between the victims and the cartel.

Congressional Democrats criticized the administration for overstepping its authority, particularly after the September 2 strikes. The memo defended the actions as necessary to counter transnational cartels operating across the Western Hemisphere.