The Fox News Rundown What the Arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro Means for the Region, U.S. Security
Jan 5, 2026
Rick Crawford, U.S. Representative from Arkansas and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, dives into the recent operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He explains the legal authority behind the mission, why advance congressional notification was skipped, and the implications for regional stability. Crawford also discusses the U.S. strategy for governing Venezuela and the reactions from China and Russia, emphasizing that U.S. policy should not be swayed by other nations. It's a deep look at national security in a turbulent hemisphere.
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Law Enforcement Led The Operation
- The Maduro arrest was framed as a DOJ law-enforcement operation assisted by the U.S. military, not a primarily military raid.
- Rick Crawford said FBI agents Mirandized Maduro and his wife on location before evacuation and processing.
Notification Depends On Legal Authority
- Congressional notification requirements differ for Title 10 (military) and Title 18 (DOJ) actions, affecting who must be told in advance.
- Crawford emphasized operational security often precludes advance notification to protect timing and success.
Restrict Pre-Strike Briefings To Protect Ops
- Limit advance awareness of sensitive operations to prevent leaks that could doom timing and success.
- Notify Congress after the fact to be fair and maintain operational security when necessary.