Strict Scrutiny We Need To Talk About Trump’s Maritime Murders
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Dec 8, 2025 In this discussion, Rebecca Ingber, a law professor and former State Department lawyer, dives into the controversial maritime strikes against alleged narcoterrorists. She highlights the legal ramifications of these actions, labeling them as unauthorized and potentially murderous. Ingber also stresses the gravity of targeting shipwrecked survivors as a violation of the law of war, which could amount to a war crime. The conversation further addresses military obligations under the UCMJ and scrutinizes public and political reactions, calling for accountability.
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Boat Strikes Likely Constitute Unlawful Killings
- The administration's maritime strikes are legally indefensible and amount to murder rather than lawful use of force.
- Even under strained warlike assumptions, shooting shipwrecked survivors would be a classic war crime.
Reported Two Survivors Killed After First Strike
- Reporting suggests a September strike left two survivors who were later killed in a follow-up strike after about 40 minutes.
- Observers said the survivors were seen clinging to wreckage and possibly waving for help before the second strike.
Shipwrecked People Are Protected Under Law
- Shipwrecked survivors are a paradigmatic example of persons hors de combat who cannot lawfully be targeted.
- The law of armed conflict and military manuals treat firing on shipwrecked persons as a clear unlawful order.
