Main Justice This is America in 2026
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Jan 6, 2026 In early 2026, the U.S. surprises the world by extracting Venezuelan President Maduro to face charges in New York, igniting debates over legality and international law. The hosts explore how this act echoes past regime-change operations and critiques the administration's law enforcement claims. Mary McCord prepares for her testimony regarding the impact of pardons for January 6th convictions. Meanwhile, they discuss a gripping wrongful prosecution case, highlighting troubling DOJ actions and a scathing review of ICE detention conditions.
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Venezuela Extraction Mirrors Domestic Power Plays
- The Maduro extraction mirrors domestic attempts to subvert lawful transfers of power by framing regime-change as law enforcement.
- Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord argue the means cannot be justified by illegitimacy of a foreign leader.
UN Charter Limits Use Of Force For Extractions
- International law (UN Charter Article 2.4) bars use of force against another state's territorial integrity absent self-defense.
- Mary McCord and Andrew Weissmann view the Maduro capture as likely violating that norm without a viable Article 51 self-defense claim.
Abu Qatala Example Of Narrow Capture
- Weissmann recounts the Abu Qatala capture where the U.S. used a narrow military assist and gave an Article 51 notice after an attack on Americans.
- He contrasts that measured approach with statements about 'running' countries after the Maduro operation.