U.S. Official Highlights Maduro’s Arrest as Key Milestone in Combating Transnational Gangs

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday praised the U.S. capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and stated that the Trump administration would continue deporting criminals and pursuing individuals named in a federal indictment linked to drug trafficking.

“We have been building a case against Maduro for years,” Noem said during a televised interview, crediting Homeland Security Investigations and other agencies with tracking Maduro’s crimes.

Bringing Maduro to justice, she added, “is incredibly satisfying for those families that have to live without their loved ones today because of the crimes that he has committed for decades.”

Noem’s comments followed as the administration framed Maduro’s arrest as a major development in its broader strategy against transnational gangs and narcotics networks. She specifically pointed to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, stating that “thousands and thousands” of its members had entered the United States and carried out crimes.

The Department of Homeland Security official noted that the administration has arrested and removed gang members from the country.

“We have to bring him to justice, and then absolutely he will face the consequences for his crimes,” Noem said about Maduro, while rejecting suggestions that keeping him in U.S. custody could heighten security risks.

She also criticized those she described as defending Maduro, calling him “not a credible elected leader in Venezuela.”

Her interview came after reports of a bomb threat at Venezuela’s embassy in Washington following news of Maduro’s alleged capture and concerns raised by New York officials about security in the city where Maduro was reportedly held.

When asked whether Maduro could eventually be deported to another country after U.S. proceedings, Noem stated that the administration would allow the legal process to unfold but left open the possibility of transferring him if a legitimate government sought custody.

“I think we need to see and let the process play out,” she said. “If there is a legitimate government in another country that wants them to come and pay for their crimes in their country, we will work with them. Right now we don’t have that in Venezuela.”

Noem also defended the administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, countering criticism from local officials in Florida who warned the move could force people back into instability. The mayor of Miami has labeled the TPS decision “reckless, dangerous and wrong,” urging President Donald Trump to reinstate protections.

Noem explained that DHS is implementing decisions made with the White House and the State Department, emphasizing that affected Venezuelans can seek other forms of relief.

“Every individual that was under TPS has the opportunity to apply for refugee status and that evaluation will go forward,” she said. “But we need to make sure that our programs actually mean something and that we are following the law.”

The interview also addressed President Trump’s comments regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s governance, including future leadership selection.

When asked whether the administration would seek commitments from a prospective Venezuelan president on illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Noem said the United States seeks a partner focused on national security.

“We want a partner that understands that we will protect America,” she stated. “Whatever it takes to stop the flow of drugs and stop terrorists from coming into our country, we need to work together and we haven’t had that in Venezuela.”

Noem described Maduro as someone who “inserted himself in a very unethical and illegal way” and asserted that his removal would prevent further criminal activity targeting the United States.