A coalition of advocacy groups, including the ACLU, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights, filed a lawsuit Tuesday demanding the Trump administration release the legal memo authorizing U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-running boats. The suit argues the strikes, which have killed at least 87 people since early September, are illegal and lack transparency.
The filing seeks a court order compelling the Justice, State and Defense Departments to produce all documents outlining the legal basis for the campaign.
Advocacy groups sue Trump administration seeking release of legal memo justifying boat strikes https://t.co/kG8geQKJoO via @nbcnews
— Dan De Luce (@dandeluce) December 9, 2025
Critics say the administration’s rationale has never been publicly explained, despite past administrations releasing similar memos.
Advocacy groups also highlighted concerns over the Sept. 2 “double tap” strike that killed two survivors of an initial attack.
The administration maintains the strikes target cartel smugglers. But attorneys say the killings occur outside any recognized armed conflict and should be considered unlawful.
Lawmakers remain divided along party lines after recent classified briefings.
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