Classified DoJ opinion authorizes strikes on secret list of cartels, sources say [View all]

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The opinion, which was produced by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel and has not been previously reported, argues that the president is allowed to authorize deadly force against a broad range of cartels because they pose an imminent threat to Americans. The list of cartels goes beyond those the administration has publicly designated as terrorist organizations, the people familiar with the opinion said.
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Multiple current and former JAGs — military lawyers who are members of the judge advocate general’s corps —told CNN that the strikes do not appear lawful.

Pentagon lawyers, even if they have concerns, cannot overrule the OLC opinion, which is the prevailing legal interpretation of the executive branch. Many DoD lawyers are also reluctant to openly dissent, three current JAGs told CNN.
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The Justice Department opinion forms a key part of the administration’s ramped up campaign against Latin American drug cartels, which also includes expanded authorities for the CIA to conduct lethal targeting and carry out covert action in the region, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. President Donald Trump updated CIA’s authorities around the same time he signed a secret directive ordering the military to begin striking Latin American drug cartels earlier this summer, the sources said.

more:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/06/politics/classified-justice-department-memo-cartel-strikes