Venezuela Declares Emergency and Launches Nationwide Manhunt Following Maduro’s U.S. Arrest
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Latin America, Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency and ordered a nationwide manhunt for supporters of Nicolás Maduro following his arrest by U.S. forces on drug trafficking charges. The operation, conducted over the weekend, culminated in Maduro’s detention along with his wife, triggering a swift response from Venezuela’s government and plunging the country deeper into political turmoil.
The emergency decree, published Monday but issued Saturday, commands Venezuelan police to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States,” according to official reports. While the decree does not specify the exact charges that will be brought against those apprehended, it signals a harsh crackdown on any individuals suspected of collaborating with or endorsing the U.S. military operation.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, appeared in a New York court on Monday, facing serious allegations including narco-terrorism and other offenses brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. During the hearing, he vehemently denied all charges, stating, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is written here.” The arrest has been described by U.S. officials as a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, with the Department of Homeland Security labeling Maduro as “the world’s largest drug dealer.”
In Maduro’s absence, Delcy Rodríguez, his longtime vice president and close ally, was swiftly sworn in as interim president. Rodríguez, 56, who served as Venezuela’s vice president from 2018 until Sunday, has condemned the U.S. operation but also extended an olive branch in a social media statement, calling for “balanced and respectful international relations between Caracas and Washington.” She invited the U.S. government to collaborate on a cooperative agenda aimed at shared development within the framework of international law.
The unfolding crisis has drawn international attention, with concerns mounting over potential instability in the region. Neighboring Colombia is reportedly preparing for a possible influx of Venezuelan refugees should violence escalate, highlighting the broader humanitarian implications of the political upheaval.
The U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture was conducted under the authority of the Trump administration, which has faced both support and criticism domestically. Some Democrats have labeled the military action an “impeachable offense,” while others defend it as a necessary step to disrupt narcotics trafficking and restore democratic legitimacy in Venezuela. Experts from institutions like the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) have emphasized the need for elections to resolve Venezuela’s ongoing political legitimacy crisis.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan government supporters have rallied in Caracas, holding dolls inspired by Maduro and his wife in protests demanding their release from U.S. custody. The government’s aggressive response to the U.S. military operation underscores the high stakes involved and the deep divisions within the country.
This latest chapter in Venezuela’s political saga comes amid longstanding challenges including economic collapse, healthcare deficiencies, and mass migration. The capture of Maduro, a figure accused of orchestrating a vast drug trafficking network, marks a pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences for both Venezuela and the international community.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, visit the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State websites.
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