Harris Labels Maduro Arrest a ‘Decisive Victory’ as Democrats Oppose Operation

By Brian Freeman | Monday, 05 January 2026 10:40 AM EST

Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., declared Monday that the operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was a clear success and decisive victory against international crime and drug trafficking. However, Harris noted that Democrats are refusing to acknowledge this achievement and instead oppose the action in an attempt to block momentum from the Trump administration.

Harris described the speed and execution of the mission as evidence of strong leadership, noting that within hours of Maduro’s arrest, he was placed into U.S. custody.

Despite the rapid outcome, some Democrats have questioned the legality of the operation and whether Congress should have been notified prior to the arrest. Harris dismissed those objections as reflexive opposition, arguing critics are more focused on politics than on protecting Americans from cartel violence and international criminal networks linked to drug overdoses and violent crime within the country.

“You ask the families who have lost loved ones to overdoses if this matters,” Harris said. “The answer is yes.”

Harris predicted that Democrats would continue efforts in Congress to challenge the administration’s actions, including potential resolutions criticizing the operation. However, he stated Republicans are likely to remain united behind President Donald Trump.