Maduro, Wife to Face Charges in U.S.: Senator Says Maduro Arrested by American Forces, No Further Action Planned in Venezuela
A senior U.S. senator has said that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel and is now in American custody, following a dramatic escalation in U.S. military activity targeting Venezuela.
In a statement posted to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Republican Senator Mike Lee said he had spoken by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed him that Maduro had been arrested to face criminal charges in the United States.
According to Senator Lee, the U.S. military activity seen earlier was conducted to “protect and defend” American personnel executing the arrest warrant.
“He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States,” Lee wrote, adding that the use of force was intended to safeguard those carrying out the operation.
Lee further stated that the action “likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the U.S. Constitution” to protect American personnel from actual or imminent attack.
In a follow-up post, the senator said that no further U.S. military action is anticipated in Venezuela now that Maduro is reportedly in U.S. custody.
“He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody,” Lee stated.
The operation comes amid a rapidly unfolding crisis that began earlier with reports from international media of U.S. air and land strikes in Venezuela.
The Trump administration is expected to hold a press briefing at 12 noon local time today to address recent U.S. military operations targeting Venezuela, following confirmation by President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been arrested.
The announcement has drawn intense international attention after reports of U.S. air and land operations in Venezuela late Friday into Saturday.
President Trump confirmed the arrests during remarks earlier today, marking a dramatic turning point in the long-running standoff between Washington and the Maduro administration.
Trump has previously warned of direct military action against the Maduro government, citing allegations of narco-trafficking, state corruption, and threats to regional security.
Venezuelan officials, including senior government ministers, have denounced the U.S. actions as “illegal military aggression” and a violation of international law.
The Venezuelan government has not confirmed Maduro’s arrest, instead demanding proof of life and accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize the country.
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