[link removed] [[link removed]]
The military situation in the Caribbean and Pacific and around Venezuela is rapidly escalating, so I want to take a few minutes to discuss it with you.
Over the past few months, Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have repeatedly ordered U.S. forces to carry out deadly strikes on Venezuelan fishing boats that the administration alleges are trafficking fentanyl. Twenty vessels have reportedly been attacked and 80 people have been killed.
Democrats have been sounding the alarm that these strikes violate U.S. and international law — and a top Pentagon military lawyer raised the same concerns.
Just last week, a news report found that after an initial strike, U.S. forces launched an additional strike, killing two survivors from one of the boats. Both the House and Senate have launched bipartisan investigations into DoD’s actions, and even some Republicans are joining Democrats in calling this what it is: blatantly illegal. This strike violates U.S. laws and international human rights legal obligations. And if we were at war with these cartels — which we are not — it would also be a clear violation of the second Geneva Convention.
But instead of stepping back, Trump is now threatening land strikes in Venezuela. This threat is reckless and would entangle the United States in another open-ended war, with no congressional authorization, no clear strategy, and no endgame.
Let’s be very clear here: It is illegal to go to war without congressional approval, or a clear “imminent threat” that would allow a strike in self-defense under Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
And polling shows that 70% of Americans oppose U.S. military action in Venezuela — which certainly has something to do with why Trump is trying to bypass Congress altogether.
On top of that, this illegal approach shows the Trump administration’s total lack of understanding of the fentanyl crisis. About 90% of fentanyl is brought over by U.S. citizens and permanent residents through legal ports of entry. *And* fentanyl doesn’t even come from Venezuela, so by every measure, this is the wrong approach when we should be increasing technology at our legal ports of entry and treating the fentanyl crisis like the public health emergency it is.
We have been down this road before: endless wars launched on bogus legal (and totally misleading) grounds, missions without clear goals, decades of geopolitical fallout, and adversaries who use our actions as recruitment propaganda for generations.
We know exactly what happens when America believes it can use force without transparency, oversight, and accountability — it makes us less safe.
I’ll keep speaking out and doing everything I can to prevent this President from waging another unauthorized war. Congress has a clear responsibility here, and I intend to uphold it.
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed on this. These decisions will shape our security and our values for years to come.
–Sara
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
California’s 51st District
CONTRIBUTE [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Paid for by Sara Jacobs for Congress
Sara Jacobs for Congress
PO Box 120085
San Diego, CA 92112
United States
www.facebook.com/SaraJacobsCA/ [www.facebook.com/SaraJacobsCA/] twitter.com/sarajacobsca [twitter.com/sarajacobsca] www.instagram.com/sarajacobsca/ [www.instagram.com/sarajacobsca/]
CONTRIBUTE TODAY [[link removed]]
We believe these emails are a critical way for Sara to stay in touch with supporters and constituents. If you'd like to receive less email from us, please click here [[link removed]] and we'll adjust your preferences. If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .
This message was sent to [email protected].