Sen. Mike Lee Proposes Private Citizens Combat Drug Cartels Using 'Letters of Marque'

The Utah senator suggests reviving a centuries-old constitutional provision to authorize privateers as an alternative to deploying U.S. military forces.

• Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has proposed using 'letters of marque and reprisal' to authorize private citizens, or 'privateers,' to target international drug cartels.
• The constitutional provision, last used during the American Revolution, allows Congress to sanction private individuals to engage in acts of piracy against foreign entities.
• Lee argues this approach could mitigate risks associated with deploying U.S. military personnel to combat cartels at the border.
• The senator acknowledged the proposal faces significant political hurdles, as such measures have not been implemented in over two centuries.
• Lee cited historical precedent, including George Washington's involvement with privateers, to support his proposal for addressing cartel activities.

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