South Dakota’s delegation to Washington D.C. Has released statements regarding the Trump administration’s capturing of Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the move a valid first step in seeking justice for alleged drug trafficking crimes Maduro has taken part in which has killed Ameircans.
“For years, Nicolas Maduro, the cartel he leads, and other cartels in Latin America have trafficked drugs into the United States, which have killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. President Trump’s decisive action to disrupt the unacceptable status quo and apprehend Maduro, through the execution of a valid Department of Justice warrant, is an important first step to bring him to justice for the drug crimes for which he has been indicted in the United States. I am grateful for the brave men and women of our armed forces who carried out this necessary action. I spoke to Secretary Rubio early this morning, and I look forward to receiving further briefings from the administration on this operation as part of its comprehensive counternarcotics strategy when the Senate returns to Washington next week.”
Senator Rounds said President Trump’s actions have sent a message to the rest of the world if you harm America you will face consequences.
“President Trump has sent a message to the world that if you harm the United States of America, you will face the consequences. Nicolas Maduro is an illegitimate leader and an indicted narco terrorist. His support of the cartels in Venezuela killed thousands of Americans over several years. President Trump and his team have taken decisive action to bring him to justice. This will make our communities safer and further secure our border from the flow of illegal drugs. Thank you to our brave men and women in uniform who successfully carried out this mission.”
South Dakota congressman Dusty Johnson said he looked forward to being briefed by the Administration about the operation and the next steps regarding a transition of power in Venezuela.
“Nicolás Maduro, a narcoterrorist and illegitimate leader of Venezuela, was arrested by United States defense and law enforcement forces for facilitating the trafficking of deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, across our border, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans. Our Armed Forces and federal law enforcement did a phenomenal job executing this warrant, and I’m glad they are all safe. I look forward to being briefed by the Trump Administration next week about this operation, the Administration’s next steps for Venezuela, and efforts to end the deadly flow of drugs into our country.”
