Posted on Jan 3, 2026
Sen. Ruben Gallego Slams U.S. Operation To Capture Maduro: 'This War Is Illegal'
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When I listen to many in Congress slamming the actions of the Capture of Maduro, it touches on two key aspects: the historical precedents for U.S. actions like the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and skepticism about Congress's credibility in critiquing foreign policy, given its track record on domestic issues like healthcare. I'll address both based on facts and ongoing debates, without moralizing—Congress's performance is indeed mixed, and precedents do exist for executive-led operations abroad.
Operations to capture or remove foreign leaders aren't new and have been executed under both Republican and Democratic administrations. These are often framed as law enforcement or national security measures rather than full invasions, allowing presidents to act with limited congressional input.
Manuel Noriega (Panama, 1989-1990): Under President George H.W. Bush (Republican)
Qasem Soleimani (Iraq, 2020): Under President Trump (Republican)
Bill Clinton (Democrat) authorized the 1993 arrest of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
Barack Obama (Democrat) oversaw the 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
1961 Bay of Pigs invasion under John F. Kennedy.
This pattern substantiates claims that the Maduro capture isn't unprecedented, even if international law experts argue it violates sovereignty norms.
Members of Congress want to exercise their "international expertise," yet given its healthcare failures domestically, the question is, do they have the expertise? Congress has indeed struggled with domestic policy gridlock for years while claiming authority over foreign affairs.
Healthcare is domestic, and it's in their face every day.
Healthcare Failures: Congress has debated healthcare for decades, but has failed to deliver comprehensive solutions due to partisanship. The Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) was passed in 2010 under Democratic control but narrowly (no Republican votes), and Republican-led repeal attempts (2017) collapsed despite majorities.
After "years of looking," no bipartisan fix has emerged. Does it question Congress's trust in its problem-solving abilities?
In practice, Congress often defers to the executive on foreign actions due to the president's access to real-time intelligence and the "fog of uncertainty" in international matters (unlike predictable domestic concerns).
Operations to capture or remove foreign leaders aren't new and have been executed under both Republican and Democratic administrations. These are often framed as law enforcement or national security measures rather than full invasions, allowing presidents to act with limited congressional input.
Manuel Noriega (Panama, 1989-1990): Under President George H.W. Bush (Republican)
Qasem Soleimani (Iraq, 2020): Under President Trump (Republican)
Bill Clinton (Democrat) authorized the 1993 arrest of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
Barack Obama (Democrat) oversaw the 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
1961 Bay of Pigs invasion under John F. Kennedy.
This pattern substantiates claims that the Maduro capture isn't unprecedented, even if international law experts argue it violates sovereignty norms.
Members of Congress want to exercise their "international expertise," yet given its healthcare failures domestically, the question is, do they have the expertise? Congress has indeed struggled with domestic policy gridlock for years while claiming authority over foreign affairs.
Healthcare is domestic, and it's in their face every day.
Healthcare Failures: Congress has debated healthcare for decades, but has failed to deliver comprehensive solutions due to partisanship. The Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) was passed in 2010 under Democratic control but narrowly (no Republican votes), and Republican-led repeal attempts (2017) collapsed despite majorities.
After "years of looking," no bipartisan fix has emerged. Does it question Congress's trust in its problem-solving abilities?
In practice, Congress often defers to the executive on foreign actions due to the president's access to real-time intelligence and the "fog of uncertainty" in international matters (unlike predictable domestic concerns).
Sen. Ruben Gallego Slams U.S. Operation To Capture Maduro: 'This War Is Illegal'
Posted from ibtimes.com
Posted 1 mo ago
Responses: 7
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Strange how Venezuelan's every where are celebrating the removal of a guy they voted out but because of his security forces, managed to hold on to power.
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You leave out the part where Congress leaks like a sieve.
Not to mention one side's uniquely pathological opposition to anything the current President does. If they'd given a classified briefing about their intentions, Democrats would have flown to Caracas and handcuffed themselves to Maduro like Gaia-worshipers chaining themselves to a tree when the loggers are coming. That's not even hyperbole. Despite the Noriega precedent, they're literally coming out pro drug lord JUST because of the name of the president under whose administration the arrest took place, EVEN THOUGH it was under a president of THEIR PARTY that he was indicted. That's okay, don't put the shovel down, keep digging!
Not to mention one side's uniquely pathological opposition to anything the current President does. If they'd given a classified briefing about their intentions, Democrats would have flown to Caracas and handcuffed themselves to Maduro like Gaia-worshipers chaining themselves to a tree when the loggers are coming. That's not even hyperbole. Despite the Noriega precedent, they're literally coming out pro drug lord JUST because of the name of the president under whose administration the arrest took place, EVEN THOUGH it was under a president of THEIR PARTY that he was indicted. That's okay, don't put the shovel down, keep digging!
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LTC Thomas Tennant
Mat - Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) has even seeped into this forum. In keeping with ensuring all discussions are professional and polite, please keep in mind we are currently living in a period where critical thinking is in short supply.
Also, we currently have a President who is not afraid to fix things and find real solutions. Maduro was a bad actor who was killing Americans pushing fentanyl and coke thru his country. His capture was necessary as a national security issue. He was also dealing with the CCP in China and that is a big concern for me given Venusualia's proximity to the Panama canal.
As to Congress leaking like a sieve, spot on. However, what better way to flush out the traitors and maybe getting some sainer replacements. But I like the results right now because their voters can vote them out of office.
Also, we currently have a President who is not afraid to fix things and find real solutions. Maduro was a bad actor who was killing Americans pushing fentanyl and coke thru his country. His capture was necessary as a national security issue. He was also dealing with the CCP in China and that is a big concern for me given Venusualia's proximity to the Panama canal.
As to Congress leaking like a sieve, spot on. However, what better way to flush out the traitors and maybe getting some sainer replacements. But I like the results right now because their voters can vote them out of office.
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LTC Matthew Schlosser
LTC Thomas Tennant - Couple of problems. One, Maduro was pushing coke, but not fentanyl. Fentanyl comes from Mexico. Coke is produced in Colombia and moved by Venezuela. Laying the fentanyl problem at Maduro's feet makes the retards technically right when they use that misstatement to come out pro drug lord. Also, the specific Democrats that would leak this kind of thing are in safe districts, it wouldn't cost them their seats.
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