Early Saturday morning, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez released a statement in response to reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S.-led operation announced by President Donald Trump.
In his statement, Fernandez said the operation targeted what he described as “criminal leadership operating from Venezuela” and was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement. He emphasized that the action was not directed against the Venezuelan people, but against criminal networks and corruption tied to the country’s leadership.
“This operation was not directed against the Venezuelan people, but against criminal networks and corruption tied to the country’s leadership.”
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez
Fernandez said the reported capture represents a significant moment for Venezuelans who fled political repression and now live in South Florida, noting Miami-Dade’s large Venezuelan community.
He also praised U.S. military and law enforcement personnel involved in the operation and expressed hope for democratic change in Venezuela.
The statement echoed earlier remarks from U.S. officials that no further action against Venezuela is planned.
Additional details are expected to be released by the White House.