For Immediate Release: February 7, 2026 by President Julie Kent, Florida NOW, president@flnow.org
Orlando, FL — Florida NOW stands in full solidarity with the families of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, two Trinidadian men whose lives were taken during a U.S. Federal Maritime Strike in October 2025. The strike was part of the Trump administration’s Operation Southern Spear, using a Federal Maritime Interdiction Team. These men’s families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, have filed suit seeking accountability for what they describe as an unlawful use of deadly force that violated both U.S. and international law.
The lawsuit argues that the fatal strike occurred without legal justification and that the victims—unarmed civilians—were offered no warning, no opportunity to surrender, and no chance to survive. According to the complaint, the operation was conducted without regard for established maritime interdiction protocols and the basic human rights of those on board.
“No family should have to bury a loved one because of reckless government violence,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “The deaths of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo are part of a broad pattern of state-sanctioned brutality against Black, Brown, immigrant, and Caribbean communities. We support the ACLU’s efforts to ensure these families receive truth, accountability, and justice.”
Florida NOW emphasizes that the rights to life and to due process apply to every person, regardless of nationality or immigration status. The organization condemns policies and practices that normalize excessive force, secrecy, and impunity in federal operations.
“Accountability is not optional in a democracy,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “When government agents kill civilians, the public deserves answers, and families deserve justice. The ACLU’s lawsuit is a critical step toward exposing the murders that happened, preventing future abuses, and affirming that no administration is above the law.”
Florida NOW calls on elected officials, civil‑rights organizations, and community leaders across the country to support the families of Joseph and Samaroo and to demand transparent investigations into all federal operations that result in civilian harm.
Florida NOW will continue to advocate for human rights, immigrant justice, and government accountability in every community across our state.
Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org
