Pittsburgh Attorney Launches Human Rights Complaint After Colombian Asylum Seeker Dies in Boat Collision in Panama Canal

Lawyer Files Human Rights Petition Challenging US Bombings of Alleged Drug Boats

Pittsburgh, PA – December 4, 2025 – A Pittsburgh-based human rights lawyer has launched a groundbreaking legal challenge against the Trump governance’s policy of bombing vessels suspected of narcotics smuggling. Daniel Kovalik filed a petition Monday with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, representing the family of Alejandro Andres Carranza Medina, a Colombian fisherman killed in a US military strike on September 15th.

The petition argues that Carranza, 42, was illegally killed and asserts violations of the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, specifically the rights to life, equality, and due process. kovalik contends the bombings represent extrajudicial killings and seeks to halt the practice.

“You want to deter this conduct,” Kovalik stated. “You want to stop the killings. Part of the work is raising public awareness.”

The White House, through spokesperson Anna Kelly, defended the strikes as targeting “designated narcoterrorists” bringing drugs into the country, maintaining the President will “continue to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country.” The administration has previously justified the actions as aimed at Venezuelan drug cartels.

Kovalik, formerly associate general counsel for the United Steelworkers, was retained by Carranza’s family after a referral from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a longtime friend. Petro has publicly denounced the US actions,stating Carranza was a fisherman with no ties to the drug trade and accusing the US of violating Colombian sovereignty.He further detailed the boat was displaying a distress signal due to mechanical failure.

The petition names Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump as responsible parties,citing Hegseth’s admission of ordering the strikes without knowing the targets’ identities. It also highlights the lack of safe legal recourse for the victims within Colombia, citing threats from right-wing paramilitaries.

Since September, the Trump administration has authorized over 20 such strikes, resulting in at least 80 deaths. The incidents have drawn scrutiny from Congress, with investigations underway regarding a follow-up strike on a previously bombed vessel that killed survivors.

Kovalik anticipates the Inter-American Commission will request further evidence and seek a response from the US State Department. This case marks a significant challenge to the legality and morality of the administration’s controversial counter-narcotics strategy, possibly setting a precedent for future accountability.

What specific international laws or conventions support the argument of state obligation for the safety of migrants transiting through Panama, even if Panama wasn’t directly involved in the collision?

The Incident and initial Reports

A Pittsburgh-based attorney, specializing in immigration law and human rights, has filed a formal complaint with international human rights bodies following the death of a Colombian national seeking asylum in the United states. the incident occurred on November 28th, 2025, within the Panama Canal watershed, involving a collision between a small boat carrying migrants and a larger vessel.Preliminary reports indicate the deceased, identified as 32-year-old Javier Rodriguez, was attempting too navigate the treacherous Darién Gap and reach the US border. The attorney, representing Rodriguez’s family, alleges negligence and a potential violation of international refugee rights.

The panama Canal Authority (ACP) confirmed the incident, stating they are cooperating with Panamanian authorities in the examination. However, details surrounding the collision remain scarce, fueling concerns about clarity and accountability. The incident highlights the escalating dangers faced by asylum seekers attempting to reach the United States via this route.

Details of the Human Rights Complaint

The complaint, filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), centers on several key arguments:

* State Responsibility: The complaint argues that Panama, despite not being the direct perpetrator of the collision, has a responsibility to ensure the safety of migrants transiting through its territory, particularly those seeking asylum. This includes adequate maritime safety measures and rescue capabilities.

* Right to Life: The death of Rodriguez is presented as a violation of his fundamental right to life, guaranteed under international human rights law.

* Non-Refoulement: The attorney contends that the dangerous conditions faced by asylum seekers in the Darién Gap and the Panama Canal area effectively constitute indirect refoulement – returning a refugee to a situation where their life or freedom is threatened.

* Due Process & Investigation: The complaint demands a thorough, self-reliant, and clear investigation into the incident, with full access for the family’s legal representatives.

The legal team is seeking a full accounting of the events leading to rodriguez’s death, as well as measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. They are also requesting reparations for the family. Human rights litigation in these cases is complex, often relying on establishing a pattern of systemic failures.

The Darién Gap and Increased Migration Risks

The Darién Gap, a dense jungle region between Panama and Colombia, is notoriously dangerous.It’s a major transit point for migrants and refugees from South America, the Caribbean, and beyond, all hoping to reach the United States. The risks include:

* Criminal Activity: The area is controlled by criminal organizations involved in human trafficking,drug smuggling,and extortion.

* Environmental Hazards: The jungle presents extreme challenges, including tough terrain, dangerous wildlife, and the risk of disease.

* Lack of Infrastructure: Limited access to food, water, and medical care exacerbates the dangers.

* Increased Canal Traffic: As global trade increases, so does traffic within the Panama Canal and its surrounding waterways, raising the risk of collisions with smaller, often overcrowded migrant vessels.

Recent data shows a critically important increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross the Darién Gap in 2025, driven by political and economic instability in their home countries. This surge has overwhelmed local resources and increased the vulnerability of those making the journey. Migration patterns are constantly shifting, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptation of humanitarian responses.

Panama Canal Authority Response and safety Concerns

The ACP has stated it is committed to ensuring the safe passage of all vessels through the canal. However, critics argue that current safety measures are insufficient to address the unique challenges posed by migrant traffic.

Key concerns include:

* Limited Surveillance: The vastness of the canal watershed makes it difficult to monitor all activity effectively.

* Lack of Coordination: improved coordination between the ACP, Panamanian law enforcement, and humanitarian organizations is needed.

* Rescue Capabilities: Enhancing search and rescue capabilities in the area is crucial to respond quickly to incidents.

* Mapping of Migrant Routes: Understanding the routes used by migrants can help identify high-risk areas and deploy resources accordingly.

The attorney representing the Rodriguez family is calling for a complete review of the ACP’s safety protocols and a greater emphasis on protecting the lives of vulnerable migrants. Maritime law and international regulations governing the canal’s operation are central to this debate.

Legal Precedents and Potential Outcomes

This case draws parallels to previous legal challenges involving the rights of migrants and refugees at sea. Several landmark cases have established the principle of state responsibility for protecting the lives of those in distress, even if they are not citizens or legal residents.

Potential outcomes of the human rights complaint include:

1. Investigation and Findings: The IACHR or UNHCR could conduct an independent investigation and issue findings on the facts of the case and the responsibility of the Panamanian government.
2. Recommendations: The human rights bodies could issue recommendations to Panama, urging it to improve its protection of migrants and refugees.
3. Reparations: The Rodriguez family could be awarded financial compensation for their loss.
4. Systemic Changes: The case could lead to broader