U.S. leaders from South Florida are reacting after the United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said its president, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington — an extraordinary nighttime operation announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack.
Here is what leaders from South Florida had to say:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
“Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government. Maduro is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization which has taken possession of a country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States.”
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, (R-Fla.):
“Today’s action, ordered by President Trump, is what decisive leadership truly looks like. Our country has faced an unprecedented national security threat from the illegitimate Maduro regime. Unabetted for years, Maduro has sent drugs into our country, killing an untold number of Americans, kidnapped innocent Americans, flooded our country with violent cartel members from Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles, while destabilizing regional security. The regime has also allied itself with America’s enemies, Iran, China, Russia, Cuba, Hezbollah, and Hamas. It is utterly irresponsible behavior to continue; it puts our country’s security in jeopardy. While others dithered, President Trump recognized this threat for what it is and acted with resolve.
All Americans should thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth, and our heroic Armed Forces.”
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, (R-Fla.):
“Thank you President Trump for your leadership & resolve and to our brave service members who have conducted a stellar military operation.”
U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, (R-Fla):
“The narco-terror imposed by the Maduro regime is over, thanks to the leadership of @POTUS and @SecRubio. Now it’s time for the rightful leaders of Venezuela to restorefreedom and rebuild the nation. Tonight, a new cry of freedom echoes across the hemisphere: loud, clear, and unstoppable. ¡Viva la libertad!”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla):
“The capture of the brutal, illegitimate ruler of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, who oppressed Venezuela’s people is welcome news for my friends and neighbors who fled his violent, lawless, and disastrous rule. However, cutting off the head of a snake is fruitless if it just regrows. Venezuelans deserve the promise of democracy and the rule of law, not a state of endless violence and spiraling disorder. My hope is it offers a passage to true democracy and liberation. This action offers beleaguered Venezuelans a chance to seat their true, democratically elected president, Edmundo González. I’ll demand answers as to why Congress and the American people were bypassed in this effort. The absence of congressional involvement prior to this action risks the continuation of the illegitimate Venezuelan regime.”
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz:
“Today marks a powerful moment of hope for the Venezuelan people and for all who believe in justice, accountability, and the rule of law.For far too long, criminal networks, corruption, and narco-terrorism have exploited Venezuela’s institutions, harming its people and destabilizing communities across the hemisphere – including right here in South Florida.
This moment did not happen by accident. It reflects decisive leadership at the highest levels and a renewed commitment to confronting criminal regimes that profit from violence, corruption, and human suffering. I commend President Donald Trump for his unwavering stance against narco-terrorism and transnational crime, and for prioritizing accountability over appeasement. Miami-Dade is home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States – families who fled oppression, rebuilt their lives with dignity, and never stopped believing in free Venezuela. Today, we stand with them.
On behalf of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to public safety, the rule of law, and the protection of all communities affected by transnational crime. Justice matters. Accountability matters. And freedom, secured by the rule of law, always prevails."
Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-Fla)
“It is my hope that this marks the end of a horrific chapter for the Venezuelan people. There is no question that Nicolás Maduro was a brutal dictator who oppressed the people of Venezuela for far too long. Miami-Dade County is home to a large Venezuelan population, many of whom fled their country to seek safety in the United States because of what they endured.“While it is encouraging to see the removal of this dictator, bombing a sovereign nation without congressional approval is unacceptable. It is long past time for this administration to be held accountable for its actions. As we move forward, I hope these questions are addressed and that the Venezuelan people are not left to navigate this transition on their own. The administration’s plans must include a clear path to restoring Venezuela, and my hope is that the country is not being used as a political pawn.”
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