First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Targets Trump Administration Over Drug Boat Strikes
The families of two Trinidadian men killed in a U.S. military strike have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Trump administration. This case is unprecedented, being the first of its kind in federal court regarding the government’s actions against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
On October 14, 2023, Chad Joseph, 26, and Rishi Samaroo, 41, were killed during a military operation while traveling from Venezuela to Trinidad. Their families assert the men had been fishing and working on farms near the Venezuelan coast and were returning to Las Cuevas, Trinidad, when their boat was hit.
Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action has been instigated by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and other advocates. They are challenging the legality of the airstrike, which they argue violates U.S. laws such as the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute.
- Death on the High Seas Act: Allows lawsuits for wrongful deaths occurring more than three nautical miles from the U.S.
- Alien Tort Statute: Enables foreign nationals to sue in U.S. federal court for violations of international law.
The Strike and Its Aftermath
The U.S. government claims to be engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels, which provides a rationale for using lethal force. However, the lawsuit disputes this assertion, stating that international laws do not apply due to a lack of armed conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump claimed that the strike eliminated “six male narcoterrorists” associated with a terrorist organization. The U.S. military’s campaign against drug trafficking has reportedly claimed over 125 lives since its inception in September.
Family Reactions and Backgrounds
The families of Joseph and Samaroo were unaware of the tragedy until after memorials had been held. Joseph, a father of three, frequently traveled for work in Venezuela. His mother noted that he had been considering his return home and had last called on October 12, just two days before the strike.
Samaroo had previously been incarcerated but was working to rebuild his life through construction and farming. His sister recounted how he was a consistent communicator with his family until his disappearance.
Statements from Family Members
Joseph’s mother, Lenore Burnley, expressed profound grief. She hopes that seeking justice through this lawsuit will help bring closure. Similarly, Samaroo’s sister, Sallycar Korasingh, highlighted the efforts of her brother to support his family and condemned the military action as unjust.
Both families seek accountability from the U.S. government and demand answers regarding the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths. As this lawsuit unfolds, it poses significant questions about military conduct and legal protections for civilians in conflict situations in international waters.
