President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels "unlawful combatants" and asserted the U.S. is in a "non-international armed conflict." This designation, outlined in a memo, follows recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The move signals a potential expansion of presidential war powers, raising questions about Congressional oversight and the legal framework for future military actions against transnational criminal organizations.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.