On October 27, 2025, the United States launched airstrikes on four boats suspected to be involved in the drug trade. In response, leaders from Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela condemned the airstrikes. Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, member of CERL’s Advisory Council, is mentioned in this article at SNMI News Channel as having stated that suspected drug traffickers are entitled to due process and should not be killed without trial. 

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution—Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. Read her bio here.  

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of any organization or university.