WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 3, 2026 – In a stunning development amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) announced on social media platform X that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken into U.S. custody. The announcement, made early Saturday morning, credits President Donald Trump and U.S. military and law enforcement personnel for executing what Cotton described as an “incredible operation.”
According to Cotton’s post, Maduro—indicted in U.S. federal court nearly six years ago on charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism—was apprehended for his alleged role in running a vast narcotics operation. “Nicolas Maduro wasn’t just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation,” Cotton wrote. He confirmed the details after speaking with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that Maduro “will face justice for his crimes against our citizens.”
The senator urged Venezuela’s interim government to distance itself from Maduro’s policies, including alleged drug trafficking and alliances with nations like Iran and Cuba. “I urge them to choose wisely,” Cotton added, suggesting a potential shift toward normalized international relations.
The operation’s details remain sparse, with no official statement yet from the White House or the Department of Justice. Maduro’s indictment dates back to March 2020, when the U.S. accused him and associates of conspiring with the Colombian rebel group FARC to flood the U.S. with cocaine, labeling it “narco-terrorism.” Rewards of up to $15 million were offered for information leading to his arrest.
Reactions to Cotton’s announcement were swift and polarized on X. Supporters praised the move as a bold step against international drug cartels and authoritarian regimes. One user posted an image celebrating the “new President of Venezuela,” implying U.S. influence in the transition.
Critics, however, decried the action as hypocritical and reminiscent of past interventions. Several pointed to President Trump’s recent pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges in 2024. “Trump just pardoned a drug dealer, but Maduro captured because he’s a drug dealer? Does not make sense,” one reply stated. Others drew parallels to historical invasions, warning of geopolitical repercussions: “You invaded a country in the same way Saddam did with Kuwait. Will there be a coalition of the willing to invade America?”
Concerns about international law and sovereignty were also raised, with one commenter arguing the move could embolden adversaries like Russia or China. “How are we supposed to stand up to Russia or China taking heads of states or territory when we did this overnight?” another wrote, accompanied by a critical graphic.
As of this afternoon, Venezuelan state media has not responded, and reports from Caracas indicate confusion and protests in the streets. The U.S. State Department has yet to confirm Maduro’s location or extradition timeline, but analysts suggest this could reshape Latin American politics, potentially easing oil sanctions or prompting retaliatory actions from Maduro’s allies.
This story is developing, with further updates expected from official channels.
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