US Defense Secretary Urges Latin American Allies to Exit ICC and Signals Potential Cuba Intervention

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged members of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC) to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a visit to Panama on Wednesday, August 12. Hegseth described the court as an unlawful power grab and a danger to national sovereignty, arguing that governments should not be subject to unelected international bureaucrats. He specifically claimed that the ICC is attempting to illegally impose jurisdiction over U.S. and partner military personnel. The U.S. is not a party to the ICC and has increased pressure on the institution following November 2024 arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant. During the same trip, Hegseth stated that all options, including military intervention, remain on the table regarding Cuba. He suggested that Havana should pay attention to President Donald Trump's will to enforce U.S. strategic prerogatives and asserted that foreign influence in the hemisphere has been insignificant compared to U.S. power. Additionally, Hegseth announced that Colombia would become the 19th member of the ACCC, noting that Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested U.S. assistance in fighting narco-terrorism through joint military operations.