NEW YORK (WABC) — After the U.S. carried out strikes in Venezuela early Saturday and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, area political organizers are rallying protestors and local lawmakers are voicing their opinions
Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts” on a slew of charges in New York, including “narco-terrorism conspiracy” and “cocaine importation conspiracy” as well as weapons charges.
Sources familiar with the matter told ABC News Maduro was being flown to New York.
Live updates on Venezuela here.
Protests and rallies planned
The ANSWER Coalition, an antiwar group, is planning a protest of the Trump administration’s actions against Venezuela in Times Square at 2 p.m. today.
Lawmakers voice opinions
New York politicians speak up
New York City 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.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to social media to respond:
“This morning I was briefed on the developments in Venezuela withNicolás Maduro, following President Trump’s flagrant abuse of power by acting without congressional approval. New York is home to a vibrant Venezuelan community, and I stand with families here and abroad in their hopes for a better, more stable future. While there are no credible threats to New York at this time, State Police are coordinating with our partners in law enforcement to monitor the situation and keep New Yorkers safe.”
Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) criticized the strikes on social media, saying that “the Trump administration launched a large scale military attack on a sovereign nation and kidnapped its sitting president, without Congressional approval and without consideration of any of the consequences their illegal actions may bring. This act of aggression is unconstitutional, un-American, and a direct threat to our democracy. We cannot stay silent while the rule of law is ignored.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) praised the Trump administration’s actions:
“With the decision to capture Nicholas Maduro, a narco terrorist, responsible for the death of thousands of Americans, President Trump has changed the course of history and made America safer. For years, the deadly flow of drugs into our country, has been allowed unimpeded. In one year, President Trump has done more to stop it by declaring the cartels narco terrorists and striking ships transporting these deadly drugs into the US, culminating in today’s arrest of Maduro for prosecution.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) was critical of the Trump administration’s actions:
“The US Constitution vests the power to declare war in Congress. No single individual has the authority to commit the nation to a war of regime change without congressional authorization. Power cannot replace principle. Nor can the ends justify the means. In a constitutional republic, the rule of law must prevail over an act of raw military might. History warns that wars of regime change-even when well-intentioned-can unleash unintended consequences that produce more instability than they prevent.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) shared this statement:
“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.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) posted on social media:
“While I strongly oppose the illegitimate regime of Nicolás Maduro, President Trump’s military action was a serious constitutional violation. The U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the authority to declare war and approval to conduct military action against a sovereign nation. The Trump Administration does not have sole authority to commit such acts, and I reaffirm my position that Congress must be fully informed before the U.S. engages in hostilities towards another nation. I urge for an immediate and full briefing for Members of Congress following ongoing developments in Venezuela and the subsequent long-term consequences in the region.”
New Jersey politicians react to strikes, Maduro capture
Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) released a statement:
“Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn’t about regime change. I didn’t trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress. Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war.
This strike doesn’t represent strength. It’s not sound foreign policy. It puts Americans at risk in Venezuela and the region, and it sends a horrible and disturbing signal to other powerful leaders across the globe that targeting a head of state is an acceptable policy for the U.S. government. This will further damage our reputation – already hurt by Trump’s policies around the world – and only isolate us in a time when we need our friends and allies more than ever.”
Check back for more updates as other local lawmakers share their thoughts.ABC News contributed to this report.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.