Ambassador Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, spoke recently about a significant law enforcement operation targeting two fugitives: Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores. He emphasized that Maduro’s regime has caused severe harm to Venezuela and destabilized the Western Hemisphere. Waltz highlighted the courage of whistleblowers like Ms. De Freitas, who have fled the regime and exposed its atrocities.
Waltz clarified that this operation was not an act of war but a lawful action to uphold justice. “This was a law enforcement operation,” he stated, arguing that it was necessary to hold Maduro accountable for crimes he’s committed over the years. He compared this to the U.S. operation against Manuel Noriega in 1989, which ultimately contributed to regional stability.
Recent data reinforces this view: According to a 2025 UN report, Venezuela is a primary route for drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, contributing to the ongoing flow of narcotics into the United States. Estimates suggest that several hundred tons of illegal drugs enter the country annually. Waltz argued that Maduro’s actions have not only endangered Americans but also led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with over 8 million Venezuelans fleeing their country due to repression and abuse.
In 2024, a UN panel declared the Venezuelan elections a “farce,” which led to widespread rejection of Maduro’s claims to power by over 50 countries, including members of the European Union. This situation raises questions about how international bodies handle legitimacy when rulers manipulate electoral processes to maintain control.
Maduro’s regime is linked to violent criminal organizations, such as Tren de Aragua. This group engages in severe crimes, including human trafficking and extortion, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security. The U.S. government has recognized this as “irregular warfare” against American interests, highlighting the dire implications of allowing such groups to operate freely.
Waltz reiterated the U.S. commitment to protecting its people from narcoterrorism, stating, “We won’t allow adversaries to use our neighborhood as a base for their operations.” Diplomatic channels have been attempted, but Maduro’s refusal to cooperate forced the U.S. to take decisive action. It’s essential not only for American safety but also for the future of millions of Venezuelans who deserve a better life.
In conclusion, the fight against narco-terrorism and for human rights continues. Many Venezuelans around the globe, especially those in Florida, celebrate efforts aimed at ending Maduro’s regime and bring hope for a more stable future.
