U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with all Senate Judiciary Democrats, has called on Chairman Chuck Grassley to hold a hearing regarding the Trump Administration’s use of military strikes against alleged drug traffickers at sea. According to the senators, these actions have resulted in at least 95 deaths across 25 separate incidents.
In their letter to Grassley, the senators wrote: “Since September, the Trump Administration has summarily executed at least 95 people in 25 known strikes on alleged drug smugglers in vessels at sea. This is not a time to mince words. These strikes are extrajudicial killings and shocking violations of fundamental principles of due process and the right to life under U.S. and international law. The Administration’s claims that the people it is killing are guilty of crimes, affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or ‘combatants’ in a nonexistent armed conflict, do not render these extrajudicial killings any less unlawful. This Committee must address the serious concerns that these strikes may violate U.S. criminal laws, and that Department of Justice attorneys who gave President Trump and Secretary Hegseth legal cover to summarily execute suspected criminals have violated their ethical obligations.”
The letter continued: “We respectfully request that you immediately convene a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to ensure that those who authorized these extrajudicial killings are held to account.”
The senators further stated: “There is not, nor can there be, any justification for state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings. Summary executions have no place in a constitutional democracy operating under the rule of law, no matter how heinous the accusations a government makes against someone. Nor can governments fabricate an armed conflict or falsely label people ‘combatants’ to kill them.”
They noted that both U.S. officials and members of Congress from both parties have condemned similar acts by other countries in previous years.
Addressing drug trafficking policy under President Trump’s administration, they wrote: “Make no mistake, drug trafficking is a terrible crime. And it must be addressed with robust, effective, and lawful measures, including interdicting vessels transporting such drugs, prosecuting violators to the full extent of the law, and supporting the needs of impacted families and communities. Instead of intensifying such efforts, President Trump has weakened them.”
The senators criticized recent changes within federal agencies tasked with combating drug trafficking since President Trump returned to office—including diversion of agents from enforcement missions and cuts to related programs—which they argue led to fewer federal prosecutions.
They concluded: “The American people want real solutions to crime and the drug epidemic—not extrajudicial killings committed in their name. In accordance with the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, I urge you to schedule an immediate hearing on this outrage.”
Signatories include Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role as a standing committee responsible for judicial matters within Congress. It oversees legislation affecting constitutional protections and public safety nationwide through its legislative work and hearings; reviews judicial nominations; evaluates federal law enforcement activities; conducts oversight over federal agencies; influences civil rights policy; operates from Washington D.C.; includes members from both major political parties; and has influenced federal law since its creation.
