We Will Not Abide War For the Sake of Women and Children Especially

Orlando, FL — The Florida Chapter of the National Organization for Women (FL NOW) strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes on Venezuelan vessels, calling them a reckless abuse of executive power and a dangerous escalation of state violence under the guise of drug interdiction. No proof that these vessels were carrying drugs has been released.

“This is not counterterrorism—it’s piracy,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Trump’s decision to sink boats in international waters without due process, evidence, or congressional approval is a grotesque violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of how authoritarianism cloaks itself in the language of national security.”

What Happened

• On September 2, 15, and 27, U.S. forces struck Venezuelan vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking, killing at least 14 people.
• Trump released videos of the attacks, describing them as “kinetic strikes” against “narco-terrorists”.
• No credible evidence has been presented to confirm the vessels were carrying drugs or posed any threat.
• The White House invoked Article II self-defense powers, bypassing Congress and international oversight.
• Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro called the attacks “extrajudicial killings” and deployed military forces in response.

Legal and Ethical Violations

• International law prohibits lethal force against civilians in international waters without imminent threat.
• U.S. law requires congressional authorization for sustained military action—none has been granted.
• Human rights groups and legal scholars have condemned the strikes as unlawful and politically motivated.

 FL NOW’s Position

Florida NOW stands with:

• Human rights defenders resisting militarized violence and executive overreach.
• Venezuelan migrants and diaspora communities facing dehumanization, scapegoating, and death.
• Coalition partners demanding transparency, accountability, and peace—not provocation.

We call on:

• Congress to demand these strikes stop and rein in unchecked presidential war powers.
• Media outlets to stop amplifying unverified claims and hold the administration accountable.
• Florida communities to reject xenophobia and stand in solidarity with those targeted by imperial violence.

“This is not about drugs—it’s about domination,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “We will not be silent while our government sinks boats, spreads fear and threatens sovereign nations. FL NOW demands justice, diplomacy, and a return to human rights as the foundation of U.S. foreign policy. FL NOW condemns any actions that could lead to war.”

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FLNOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org