On Friday, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D–Texas) will introduce a resolution that rebukes a growing trend among Republicans to push for the U.S. to conduct military operations against Mexican cartels without the Mexican government’s permission or proper authorization by the U.S. Congress. Such actions could “be considered an act of war and a violation of international law” and could “violate the constitutional separation of powers and implicate the War Powers Resolution,” notes Castro’s resolution.

“My resolution is both a statement of opposition to the use of force against Mexico and a statement that the White House cannot unilaterally use force,” Castro tells Reason. “It’s important to send a strong message that Congress would be opposed to any president making the unilateral decision to invade one of our allies.”

Castro’s resolution explains that the president has the “power to repel sudden attacks on United States persons and territory.” It clarifies, however, that “the manufacture, transportation, and sale of fentanyl and related chemical compounds is not considered an armed invasion or sudden attack by a foreign adversary.”