Senator Mark Kelly is reportedly considering legal action against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following a contentious dispute over U.S. military operations targeting narco-traffickers in the Caribbean. The conflict centers on a September 2025 strike against a suspected drug boat, where a follow-up attack reportedly killed two survivors, raising questions about international law compliance and potential misuse of military force.

Kelly, a retired Navy captain, criticized the strike in a CNN interview, saying it represented a line the United States should not cross, and that he personally would refuse any orders resulting in similar actions. The incident is tied to directives issued under the Trump administration, framing aggressive military action as a tool to combat fentanyl trafficking and save American lives from the opioid crisis.

However, Kelly’s stance reflects growing concern among lawmakers over the potential for war crimes, prompting a bipartisan congressional investigation. Hegseth, a former military officer and Trump appointee, has pushed for aggressive measures against narco-terrorists, arguing that U.S. forces must act decisively to disrupt cross-border trafficking networks.

The dispute highlights tensions between the military’s operational decisions, international law obligations, and congressional oversight. Kelly has signaled that he is prepared to escalate the matter legally if necessary, emphasizing accountability for actions that may exceed authorized rules of engagement.

The debate underscores the complexities of addressing narco-terror threats in international waters, balancing urgent domestic security concerns with adherence to established legal frameworks, and maintaining bipartisan oversight over high-risk military operations.