Date: Sep 25, 2025
Dear LAWGista,
Three more Venezuelan civilians were killed last Monday.
On social media, the President declared that “These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.”
This is the second unlawful attack against Venezuelans. And once again, the administration provided no legal justification for this attack—no proof that these three men were cartel members, no evidence they posed any imminent threat to our national security. The fact is that Venezuela produces just 5% of the drugs trafficked in the region. Any excuse based on drug trafficking rings hollow.
But here’s what does pose a real threat: the Executive’s dangerous military overreach. The buildup of military forces in Puerto Rico threatens to escalate conflict throughout Venezuela and the entire region. This will inevitably lead to tremendous destabilization—more human lives lost, deeper poverty, massive displacement, and waves of forced migration.
LAWG and others fear this administration is deliberately trying to provoke a Venezuelan military response—all to justify invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act and ship immigrants to brutal, high-security prisons abroad, just like the nearly 250 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT in March. Even though the Fifth Circuit Court already struck down Trump’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act for fast-track deportations, the administration appears ready to defy that ruling by finding new pretexts to invoke it.
We refuse to let this happen. In coalition, LAWG is taking action to stop more military strikes against Venezuela, and we need you with us.
First, we’ve drafted a coalition letter to Congress highlighting our concerns about civilian deaths and the risk of “endless war on narcoterrorism” in our hemisphere. Once we finish gathering signatures, every House and Senate member will receive it.
Second, we’re working with congressional offices as they move to invoke a War Powers Resolution (WPR)—Congress asserting its constitutional authority to block the president from sending U.S. troops to invade Venezuela. The WPR forces the president to report to Congress and can compel troop withdrawal if Congress doesn’t authorize military force. Members from both chambers should invoke the WPR before next week’s recess, triggering a vote in early October. They need our help rallying their colleagues.
This is where you come in. Watch for our Action Alert asking you to call your representatives and demand they sign onto the WPR. We’ll give you the number and exactly what to say.
Your support has never been more critical. We must unite to stop this military overreach, prevent regional war, and protect innocent lives.
Thank you for standing with us.
Adelante,
Vicki Gass
LAWG Executive Director
