Chicago and Indiana Leaders Respond to Trump’s Announcement of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Capture

CHICAGO (WLS) — Leaders from Illinois and Indiana are voicing their concerns following President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife amid overnight strikes in the country.

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker took to social media to express his views:
“Donald Trump’s unconstitutional military intervention in Venezuela endangers our troops without a strategic plan.”
“The American public deserves a President who prioritizes making their lives more affordable.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement saying:
“The Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela breach international law and dangerously increase the risk of a full-scale war. These actions are not about defending the Venezuelan populace but are driven by oil and power interests.”
“For the past two years, we’ve highlighted how the dehumanization of Venezuelan migrants and immigrants in general by the Far Right has set the stage for military actions in Central and South America. I strongly condemn the Trump administration’s inhumane treatment of migrants here and this illegal regime change abroad.”
“In Chicago, we will continue to uphold peace, diplomacy, and mutual respect for all individuals.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) shared his thoughts on social media:
“Nicolás Maduro has consistently ignored the will of the Venezuelan people, including when a majority voted for an end to decades of political and economic turmoil and crime.”
“Nonetheless, I oppose President Trump’s deployment of U.S. military forces without Congressional consent and am deeply concerned about the administration’s approach to foreign policy interventions.”
“The Trump Administration MUST brief all Members of Congress as soon as possible this week.”

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued a statement:
“The American people trusted Donald Trump when he pledged to withdraw our nation from foreign conflicts, yet today we face another stark reminder of his empty promises. The Constitution mandates that the American people, through their elected representatives in Congress, authorize any President to declare war because they bear the consequences.”
“While Trump—whose patriotism might be measured by his draft evasions during Vietnam—might view war as entertainment, he fails to grasp the true costs, which include the sacrifices of our troops and military families. Our troops understand the heavy price of engaging in war without a plan, destabilizing entire regions.”
“Trump’s irresponsible and unconstitutional actions in Venezuela, including this morning’s arrest of a foreign leader, are not about maintaining law and order, as demonstrated by his secrecy from Congress. Although Maduro was a problematic leader, no President has the authority to unilaterally decide to use force to overthrow a government, plunging us and the region into chaos without justification, a clear goal, or a strategy to prevent ensuing instability. His actions jeopardize American troops, personnel, and citizens both regionally and globally, serving no national interest.”

Indiana Governor Mike Braun posted the following statement on social media:
“By arresting Nicolás Maduro, POTUS is cutting off narcoterrorism at the source and helping save Hoosier lives. Indiana families have paid too high a price for the deadly drugs pushed by criminal regimes, and we stand with President Trump in holding them accountable.”