Hegseth warns ICC may probe US strikes in Latin America

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the International Criminal Court could investigate US military actions in Latin America, including strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats that rights groups call extrajudicial killings. He spoke in Panama, pledging to strengthen a coalition against drug cartels and welcoming Colombia as its 19th member. Hegseth urged members to reject the ICC, while a report documented at least 221 deaths from US strikes since September 2025.