Venezuelan President Maduro Brought To New York To Face Narco-Terrorism, Drug Trafficking Charges: Local Politicians, Activists Reactions
Over the weekend, Venezuela’s President Maduro and his wife were taken from their home and brought to the United States, New York Federal Court specifically, to face charges for narco-terrorism and drug trafficking and putting American’s lives at risk. Below are statements from local politicians, including Staten Island’s Rep. Malliotakis, NYC’s Mayor Mamdani, New York’s Senator Gillibrand, and other politicians, along with local activists who staged an emergency protest in Manhattan within days of the capture. In addition, a statement from Senator Sanders about authoritarianism will be published this weekend. We have also covered the ways in which those fleeing Europe and Germany after World War II would have fared in President Trump’s America.
Malliotakis Statement on the Capture of Nicolás Maduro
(NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis released the following statement after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro.
“Nicolás Maduro has been captured by U.S. forces and brought to New York to face charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. This bold and decisive action by the Trump Administration is a major victory for American security and justice. Maduro, the illegitimate ruler of Venezuela, empowered violent gangs and drug cartels, causing the deaths of countless Americans, and aligned with hostile regimes in Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, threatening our national security and the stability of the Western Hemisphere.
Under his corrupt and socialist rule, Venezuela’s economy collapsed, forcing over eight million Venezuelans to flee their homeland. It is my hope that the Venezuelan people can now reclaim their nation and finally live in freedom.”
GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON U.S. MILITARY OPERATIONS IN VENEZUELA
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after last night’s U.S. military operation in Venezuela:
“Nicolás Maduro was a thuggish dictator who abused his power, his people, and refused to accept the results of elections. No one disputes that he should be held accountable for his crimes.
“But the Constitution and international law are not optional. The administration must justify these actions to my fellow members on the Senate Armed Services Committee and explain to the American people how this was a justified act of war against a foreign country.
“After repeatedly telling me and my colleagues that it was not seeking to do so, the administration must also explain why they would carry out this military operation to perform regime change without authorization by Congress and how the United States is going to “run” Venezuela indefinitely without putting our service members in harm’s way.
“Beyond this flagrant breach of trust, I remain concerned that the administration’s actions are not the end of something, but the beginning of chaos and instability in the region that threatens our service members, our allies, and American security.
The administration must lay out a concrete plan to ensure peace and stability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, with transparency and in consultation with Congress.”
MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI STATEMENT ON U.S. STRIKES IN VENEZUELA
NEW YORK, NY — In response to President Donald J. Trump’s strikes in Venezuela, Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued the following statement:
“I was briefed this morning on the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, as well as their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.
Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.
“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”
Soledad Haren, representing Answer Coalition, who organized the protest, said the following. All images are credited to this organization:
On January 3rd, New Yorkers gathered in Times Square to protest the illegal invasion of Venezuela, to protest the occupation of Venezuela, and the theft of Venezuelan resources, including oil.
Venezuela protest. Image Crexdit – Answer Coalition
NEWS: Statement of Sen. Bernie Sanders on Venezuela
WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday condemned President Donald Trump’s unilateral military action against Venezuela as illegal and unconstitutional, warning that it violates international law, endangers global security and usurps Congress’ exclusive authority to declare war. Sanders called on Congress to immediately pass a War Powers resolution to end the operation.
Donald Trump has, once again, shown his contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. The President of the United States does NOT have the right to unilaterally take this country to war, even against a corrupt and brutal dictator like Maduro. The United States does NOT have the right, as Trump stated this morning, to “run” Venezuela. Congress must immediately pass a War Powers resolution to end this illegal military operation and reassert its constitutional responsibilities.
Trump’s attack on Venezuela will make the United States and the world less safe. This brazen violation of international law gives a green light to any nation on earth that may wish to attack another country to seize their resources or change their governments. This is the horrific logic of force that Putin used to justify his brutal attack on Ukraine.
Trump and his administration have often said they want to revive the Monroe Doctrine, claiming the United States has the right to dominate the affairs of the hemisphere. They have spoken openly about controlling Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world. This is rank imperialism. It recalls the darkest chapters of U.S. interventions in Latin America, which have left a terrible legacy. It will and should be condemned by the democratic world.
Trump campaigned for president on an “America First” platform. He claimed to be the “peace candidate.” At a time when 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, when our healthcare system is collapsing, when people cannot afford housing and when AI threatens millions of jobs, it is time for the president to focus on the crises facing this country and end this military adventurism abroad. Trump is failing in his job to “run” the United States. He should not be trying to “run” Venezuela.
Banner Image: Venezuela protest. Image Credit – Answer Coalition
Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer
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