US Urges Latin American Nations to Leave ICC, Cites Sovereignty Concerns

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has strongly encouraged Latin American countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking in Panama, Hegseth argued that the ICC undermines national sovereignty and attempts to usurp the authority of national courts.

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I strongly encourage every ACCC member to leave the ICC and reject their attempts to rob your governments and your courts of your sovereignty.

"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 stated. He emphasized that nations should retain the power to deploy troops and protect citizens under their own laws. Hegseth accused the ICC of seeking jurisdiction over U.S. and partner military personnel, labeling it an "unlawful power grab."

Hegseth's remarks come amid a broader U.S. campaign against the ICC, particularly after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The U.S., not an ICC member, has long opposed its jurisdiction. The defense secretary also announced that Colombia will become the 19th member of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC).

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Our nations retain our sovereignty and our ability to deploy our own warriors in our own defense. We answer only to our own citizens and our own constitutions, not unelected international bureaucrats.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. involvement in combating narco-terrorism. "I'm also proud to announce that Colombia will join the ACCC, becoming the 19th member," Hegseth said. He added that Colombia has authorized joint military operations to dismantle terrorist networks.

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I'm also proud to announce that Colombia will join the ACCC, becoming the 19th member. And through the newly inaugurated president, as our president likes to say, President ‘El Tigre,’ Colombia has already requested that the Department of War join Colombia in its fight against narco-terrorism, authorizing joint military operations to destroy terrorist and terror networks.