US urges Latin American allies to quit International Criminal Court

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Latin American allies to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a threat to national sovereignty. The request, made at a regional security forum in Panama, targets members of the US-led anti-drug coalition, the Americas Coalition Against Cartels (ACCC). The coalition includes 19 countries, according to Infobae, though Emol reports 16 members plus observers. Source: Infobae Source: Emol

The push against the ICC

Hegseth argued that the ICC has no legitimate basis to interfere in US or allied military operations, accusing "the international left" and media of conspiring to impose the court's jurisdiction. Source: Infobae The US does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction and has imposed sanctions on its officials, particularly over investigations into Israel. Source: Emol

Legal challenge

Separately, four human rights organizations—Human Rights Watch, American Friends Service Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights, and Open Society Institute—filed a lawsuit in New York challenging the Trump administration's sanctions against ICC officials. They argue the sanctions violate First and Fifth Amendment rights and exceed presidential authority. Source: Clarin Source: Infobae

Context and disagreement

The request comes amid US military operations against drug trafficking, which have killed about 215 people in 53 attacks, according to AFP. Human rights groups call these possible extrajudicial killings, a crime within ICC jurisdiction. Source: Infobae Hegseth claims the bombings led to a "record drop" in drug boat traffic. Source: Emol The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders in November 2024, prompting US sanctions. Source: Excelsior