North Carolina reacts to Maduro arrest

Reaction is pouring in across North Carolina after the United States conducted military and law enforcement operations Saturday morning that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. 
 
Maduro was indicted in the US in 2020 and faces four charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. 
 
Congressman David Rouzer, R-NC7, praised the operation, calling Maduro illegitimate. 
 
“Nicolás Maduro’s capture and transport to the United States is a win for freedom in Venezuela and justice for America,” said Rouzer. “Maduro is an indicted, illegitimate dictator, which is an important distinction.  President Trump’s leadership is sending a clear message to those seeking to harm the United States: regimes that flood our communities with illegal drugs, fuel cartel violence, and undermine U.S. security will be held accountable. President Trump’s decisive action puts America’s safety first and provides a real opportunity for stability, freedom, and a democratic future for Venezuela.” 
 
Democrats nationwide condemned the actions, with Congresswoman Alma Adams, D-NC12, calling the President’s actions unconstitutional. 
 
“President Trump deployed U.S. troops and launched strikes in Venezuela without Congressional authorization, utterly violating the U.S. Constitution,” said Adams. “The War Powers Resolution only allows for unilateral presidential action in response to an imminent threat facing American citizens or servicemembers. He failed to offer any proof of that threat, failed to brief and seek Constitutionally required approval from Congress, and once again failed to put America first.” 
 
The operations confirmed by President Trump on Saturday morning were carried out in part by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), including Delta Force, which is headquartered at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. 

Nicolas Maduro was an illegitimate dictator who has long been wanted in the U.S. on charges of narco-terrorism, corruption, & drug trafficking. @POTUS’s decisive action to capture & bring him to justice is monumental not just for ending his brutal regime in Venezuela, but will…

— Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) January 3, 2026

Congressman Tim Moore, R-NC14, emphasized the skill of the US military in carrying out the precise mission. 

“Nicolás Maduro was indicted in 2020 for narco-terrorism and weapons trafficking against the United States and now, justice is being carried out. He has been responsible for flooding our streets with deadly drugs and violence that’s claimed countless American lives — that ends today,” Moore said. “In a precise U.S. military operation with no American lives or equipment lost, this brutal dictator was captured and will finally face accountability on American soil. This mission reflects the unmatched skill of our Armed Forces and the strength of President Trump’s leadership on the world stage.” 

In court Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next appearance is scheduled for March 17.

“North Carolina reacts to Maduro arrest” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.