In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following overnight military strikes in the country. This bold move has drawn swift reactions from political leaders in Illinois and Indiana, who express deep concerns over the implications of such an action.

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Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois took to social media to voice his disapproval, stating, “Donald Trump’s unconstitutional military action in Venezuela is putting our troops in harm’s way with no long-term strategy.” He emphasized the need for a presidency focused on making life more affordable for the American people.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also weighed in, strongly criticizing the military action as a violation of international law that dangerously increases the risk of full-scale war. “The illegal actions by the Trump administration have nothing to do with defending the Venezuelan people; they are solely about oil and power,” he remarked. Mayor Johnson highlighted the dehumanization of migrants and immigrants by the Far Right, which he believes has paved the way for such military interventions. He affirmed Chicago’s commitment to peace and diplomacy.

On the legislative front, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin expressed his skepticism about the President’s unilateral military action without Congressional approval. “Nicolás Maduro repeatedly denied the will of the Venezuelan people,” Durbin acknowledged, but he expressed concern about the lack of congressional consultation and called for immediate briefings for all Members of Congress.

Similarly, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth condemned the President’s breach of constitutional protocol, stressing that any act of war requires Congressional authorization due to its far-reaching consequences. She criticized Trump for his seemingly cavalier approach to war, suggesting that he views it as entertainment rather than a grave matter with deep human costs. “Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional operations in Venezuela are not about enforcing law and order,” Duckworth argued, underlining the absence of a justified plan and the potential risks to American troops and global stability.

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.”