In a move that could spark intense debate, President Donald Trump has sidestepped a potential legal showdown by sending two survivors of a U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling submarine to their home countries, Ecuador and Colombia. But here's where it gets controversial: Trump labeled these individuals as 'terrorists,' despite the vessel being targeted for allegedly carrying fentanyl and other narcotics, not for acts of terrorism. This decision raises questions about the administration's strategy in its self-declared 'war' on drug cartels.
On October 18, 2025, Trump announced via social media that the survivors would face detention and prosecution in their respective countries. He emphasized that U.S. intelligence confirmed the submarine was transporting fentanyl, a deadly opioid fueling the ongoing drug crisis in the United States. This strike marks the sixth such operation in the Caribbean since the Trump administration intensified its efforts to curb drug trafficking into the U.S. over the summer.
The decision to repatriate the survivors avoids a legal minefield that could have challenged Trump's authority to use military force against drug cartels. Under current law, unarmed individuals held in military custody can contest their detention in court. Trump, however, argues that drug cartels pose an imminent threat akin to terrorist organizations, justifying the use of lethal force. In a legal defense to Congress, he declared the U.S. is in an 'armed conflict' with these cartels, classifying drug smugglers as 'unarmed combatants.'
And this is the part most people miss: Legal experts widely doubt this argument would hold up in court. Yet, with few lawmakers openly opposing Trump's actions and military operations expanding in the region, who will challenge this rationale? The survivors' repatriation effectively removes the possibility of a judicial review, as they can no longer protest their status as 'unlawful combatants.'
Trump's aggressive actions in the Caribbean have heightened regional tensions, particularly with Venezuela. Earlier this week, he threatened military strikes within Venezuela, confirmed CIA operations in the country, and deployed B-52 bombers off its coast—all while refusing to recognize the Venezuelan government as legitimate.
Is Trump's approach to drug cartels a necessary evil or an overreach of power? Does labeling drug smugglers as terrorists justify bypassing legal norms? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that demands diverse perspectives.
