On January 3, 2026, the United States executed a military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores. This action received strong backing from congressional Republicans, who framed it as a significant assertion of U.S. leadership in Latin America. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) noted that Congress was not informed prior to the operation, comparing it to domestic law enforcement actions, and stated that Maduro would face justice in the U.S.

In contrast, Democrats raised serious concerns about the legality of the military operation, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for congressional approval for military actions. They warned of the potential for escalation and the broader implications for international norms. Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) cautioned that if the U.S. claims the right to use military force to capture foreign leaders, it could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to increased global instability.

Senator Adam Schiff (D-California), while condemning Maduro's leadership, argued that the military action undermined constitutional processes and could further destabilize the region. He called for a debate on a War Powers Resolution to either authorize or reject the military action taken by President Trump. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) criticized the operation for being inconsistent with prior congressional briefings and expressed concern over the lack of a clear strategy for post-operation stability in Venezuela. House Democrats also demanded a briefing on the situation, questioning the justification for military action without congressional oversight.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) defended the operation, attributing blame to Maduro for drug trafficking and violence, despite evidence suggesting that Venezuela is not a significant source of opioids or a major player in the cocaine trade. The operation has raised questions about the implications of unilateral military actions and the responsibilities of the U.S. government in ensuring regional stability and adherence to democratic processes.

In a related development, María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, issued a letter to the populace following Maduro's reported capture, asserting that he would face international justice for alleged crimes. Machado, who has been largely in hiding, expressed support for increased military pressure from the U.S. on the Maduro regime and called for the restoration of order and the release of political prisoners.

The context of Machado's statements reflects ongoing tensions in Venezuela, where the Maduro government has faced significant opposition amid political and economic crises. The U.S. government's involvement in Venezuelan affairs has raised questions about the implications of foreign military operations on national sovereignty and the potential humanitarian impacts on the Venezuelan population.

The debate in Congress is further complicated by previous votes against measures intended to halt military action in Venezuela. On June 3, 2024, the House of Representatives voted down two measures aimed at stopping military strikes on alleged drug boats and Venezuelan land, following President Trump's declaration of a partial blockade against Venezuela, which has been classified as an act of war under international law. Critics of the blockade and military actions have pointed out that Venezuela is not a significant source of fentanyl, the drug primarily responsible for the overdose crisis in the U.S.

Members of Congress, including Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), have called for urgent legislative action to prevent further military escalation, emphasizing the need for congressional oversight in matters of war and peace. The push for legislative action coincides with Trump's indication that his administration intends to continue intervening in Venezuela's internal affairs, particularly regarding the country's oil resources. The response from the Republican-controlled Congress remains uncertain, as many Republicans have supported the military actions taken against Venezuela, raising concerns about the implications for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.