TEXAS, USA — Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country in a nighttime operation that was accompanied by a flurry of strikes following months of escalating Trump administration pressure on the oil-rich South American nation.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. planned to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. He claimed the American presence was already in place, though there were no immediate signs that the U.S. was running the country.
As news of the announcement broke Saturday morning, local leaders gave their reactions in social media posts:
Maduro is an indicted narco terrorist.
His drug trafficking operation cost the lives of many Americans.
His release of Tren de Aragua gang members from VZ prisons terrorized American communities & killed my fellow Texans.
Texas and the world are better because of his capture.… https://t.co/aUKsKfBK1O
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 3, 2026
Congressman Joaquin Castro:
Trump is escalating his regime-change war in Venezuela.
Early this morning President Trump escalated an unconstitutional war. Without the approval of, consultation with or even notice to Congress, the Trump Administration invaded Venezuela and ousted Nicolás Maduro.
I hope…
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) January 3, 2026
I spoke with @realDonaldTrump admin this morning & as @SecRubio made clear, the strike in Venezuela defended US personnel arresting Maduro after off-ramps rejected. The “TRUMP DOCTRINE” puts America First in the Western Hemisphere – taking out drug cartels, & promoting free… pic.twitter.com/K5PZIVOqWd
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) January 3, 2026
Representative Tony Gonzales:
America’s fighting forces are unmatched and the strongest in the world.
Tremendous work by all of the U.S. personnel who conducted a successful mission in Venezuela today.
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) January 3, 2026
Trump has no right to take us to war with Venezuela. This is reckless and illegal.
Congress should vote immediately on a War Powers Resolution to stop him.
My entire life, politicians have been sending other people’s kids to die in reckless regime change wars. Enough. No new…
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) January 3, 2026
Representative Lloyd Doggett:
What better way to start another year of broken promises to struggling American families than launching an illegal war. Too weak to confront real security threats posed by powerful dictators, Trump predictably targets the weak instead.
Now he’s set to spend billions in…
— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 3, 2026
Kudos to President @realDonaldTrump . Maduro was not only an illegitimate President of Venezuela, he was the head of the Cartel de los Soles, a major drug trafficking network involving high-ranking Venezuelan military officers and government officials. He has been indicted in… https://t.co/tuKE6batYu
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) January 3, 2026
Congressman Henry Cuellar:
“Thirty-five years ago, the United States arrested Manuel Noriega, an indicted foreign leader tied to drug trafficking—an episode that underscored the importance of the rule of law even in times of conflict. Today’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, along with highly targeted strikes against narcoterrorist infrastructure, draws that historical parallel and reminds us that American strength lies not only in decisive action, but in restraint, judgment, and adherence to law.
“Today is an important moment for democracy, peace, and the future of children across Latin America and the United States. It offers hope to countless victims of narco-violence and supports our friends in Mexico and throughout the region who seek to live without fear, corruption, or criminal control. This moment also presents an opportunity for honest, moral leadership in Venezuela to begin the difficult work of restoring stability, accountability, and opportunity—outcomes that are in the shared interest of Venezuela, Mexico, Latin America, and the United States.
“I thank the men and women of our military and law enforcement for their courage and professionalism, and I urge that the next steps be guided by de-escalation, protection of innocent lives, regional stability, and respect for constitutional and international norms.”
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