Two unarmed Trinidadian civilians were killed in a targeted strike on Oct. 14—and now their families are dragging the Trump administration into court for “extrajudicial killing.” This lawsuit is a brazen attempt to second-guess America’s frontline defense against Latin American drug cartels.
President Trump ordered Operation Southern Spear to dismantle narco-networks that flood our streets with deadly poison. In just months, the Navy and Coast Guard have intercepted more than 30 cartel vessels and seized over 80 metric tons of cocaine.
On that October night, a suspicious fast-boat zigged across international waters. U.S. forces had clear intelligence that it carried contraband bound for U.S. markets. Navy patrol craft opened fire after repeated warnings were ignored. Two bodies washed ashore. The rest of the cargo sank with the hull.
Now Lenore Burnley and Sallycar Korasingh—backed by the ACLU—claim their loved ones were innocent passengers. They cite the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute to demand unspecified millions in damages.
They’re dead wrong. Federal law and international treaty give American forces the right to stop and, if necessary, destroy vessels trafficking illicit drugs. Every narcotics shipment we intercept saves American lives. Every successful strike is a victory for law and order.
This lawsuit isn’t about justice. It’s political theater designed to tie the hands of U.S. security forces. If federal courts entertain these frivolous claims, our military will hesitate before acting—and cartel bosses will celebrate.
Congress must step up. Republicans should demand an immediate dismissal of this case and affirm the administration’s authority to fight narcotrafficking on the high seas. Failure to do so invites emboldened cartels and more American casualties.
There’s no moral high ground in protecting drug runners. This lawsuit is a dangerous detour from America’s higher purpose: securing our borders, defending the rule of law and saving lives. Reject it—before it rejects us.
