Hegseth urges Latin American nations to leave ICC

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Latin American members of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC) on Wednesday to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of undermining national sovereignty during remarks in Panama. Hegseth argued that countries must retain authority to deploy forces under their own laws, describing the court's actions as a "lawless power grab" targeting US and partner military personnel.

"I strongly encourage every ACCC member to leave the ICC and reject their attempts to rob your governments and your courts of your sovereignty," Hegseth said, insisting that nations must answer to citizens rather than "unelected international bureaucrats." He added: "Our nations retain our sovereignty and our ability to deploy our own warriors in our own defense," emphasizing that military operations should not face external judicial review.

Colombia joins anti-cartel bloc

Hegseth also announced that Colombia will become the 19th member of the ACCC, noting that Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella — whom he referred to by the nickname "El Tigre" — has requested American assistance in combating narco-terrorism. "I'm also proud to announce that Colombia will join the ACCC," Hegseth said, adding that the US Department of Defense would authorize joint military operations to destroy terrorist networks.

Trump administration pressure

The defense secretary's remarks come amid an intensified White House campaign against the ICC, which issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at Camp David last month that the court had "made themselves illegitimate" by claiming jurisdiction over non-member states, with President Donald Trump stating that Rubio's efforts aim to "defend Bibi and various other people" from prosecution. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and has historically opposed the court's jurisdiction over American personnel.