South Dakota’s congressional delegation is voicing support after a U.S. military operation early Saturday captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Sen. Mike Rounds called the mission “flawless” and said disrupting drug‑trafficking networks tied to Venezuela will benefit law enforcement in South Dakota.
Reports of explosions in Caracas surfaced around 1:50 a.m. local time on January 3. Hours later, President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, saying Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. The action followed recent U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean suspected of transporting narcotics.
Rounds said cutting off even one supply route helps reduce the flow of drugs that he argues have harmed communities across the U.S. He noted B‑1B bombers were used in the mission and highlighted Ellsworth Air Force Base’s ongoing role in national defense.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also praised the operation, thanking U.S. forces and calling it a decisive step against drug‑trafficking cartels. Rep. Dusty Johnson described Maduro as a “narcoterrorist” and commended the military and federal agents involved.
The mission was carried out without advance notice to Congress, drawing criticism from some Democratic leaders. Rounds defended the secrecy, saying the operation was too sensitive to risk leaks. He also referenced the Monroe Doctrine in explaining U.S. involvement.
Rounds said he expects a classified briefing next week on the operation and the transition plan for Venezuela.
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