Ruben Gallego Condemns Trump's Drug Boat Strikes, John Gillette Fires Back

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) condemned the Trump Administration's drone strikes on boats alleged to be carrying drugs in a recent social media post, only for State Representative John Gillette (R-30) to issue a blistering reply.

Gallego's Post

"Today marks one year since the Trump administration killed 11 people on a boat in the Caribbean Sea—the start of an illegal campaign of extrajudicial killings and government-sanctioned murder," wrote Sen. Gallego, referring to the first of numerous ongoing strikes against drug traffickers operating boats heading toward the United States.

Sen. Gallego added, "Since then, there's been at least 70 strikes in international waters, killing at least 227 people. The administration claims these strikes are about drug trafficking, but it's shown little evidence drugs were aboard these boats. The DEA's found no impact on drug flow into the US, and the commander running the operation told Congress the strikes are 'probably not the most effective tool.'"

"These strikes are unconstitutional, immoral, and ineffective, and they’ve put our service members at risk of prosecution for carrying out illegal orders," the Arizona Senator concluded. "The most recent strike was four days ago. A year of killing, and this administration has never once come to Congress to justify any of it. This cannot become the way our country goes to war. The American people are already paying for one war they didn't want in the first place. I fought in Iraq. I know what these wars cost, and I know who pays them. I will use every tool I have as a United States senator to stop this and to defend the Constitution."

Gillette's Reponse

State Rep. Gillette did not hold back in his reply, writing, "Again, with the lies. As a member of the Senate, you should know. CONGRESS has expressly declared maritime narcotics trafficking a national-security threat."

"The 'Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act' states that drug trafficking aboard vessels is a 'serious international problem,' is 'universally condemned,' and presents a specific threat to the security and societal well-being of the United States," State Rep. Gillette continued. "46 U.S.C. §70501. Congress also criminalized possession and distribution of controlled substances aboard vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including qualifying vessels on the high seas. Congress has expressly authorized U.S. operations against drug-running vessels on the high seas. Under 14 U.S.C. §522, the Coast Guard may board, inspect, search, seize and arrest on the high seas and may use 'all necessary force to compel compliance.' This has historically included warning shots and disabling fire against fleeing vessels."

The Mohave County Representative emphasized that "Congress specifically made DoD the lead federal agency for detecting maritime drug trafficking. Under 10 U.S.C. §124, DoD is the federal lead for detecting and monitoring aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs and may intercept vessels outside U.S. Section 343 directly amended 46 U.S.C. §70503—the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, that allows the Trump admin to conduct these strikes.

Finally, Gillette reminded Gallego, "In December 17, 2025 — FY2026 NDAA, S.1071: again you voted YEA. Senate Roll Call 648 Do you even know what you vote for? You state this is 'unconstitutional' you voted YES to give Trump this Authority. So it's lawful and approved by Congress. You are now a proven liar!