RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has sparked a range of reactions across the political spectrum, as some lawmakers expressed their thoughts on the use of military action without Congressional approval.

“Being from North Carolina and having Fort Bragg and so many from Fort Bragg involved in this operation, I’m just tremendously thankful for them,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, referring to the work of Delta Force in the capture of Maduro.

The White House has cited the federal charges that Maduro and his wife are facing in the United States, stating it was justified in taking this action.

“We were aware of the last several months of the lead-up to this. No one was aware of the timing, and that’s probably a good thing to prevent leaks and to improve the safety of our men and women in uniform. I understand why the president took action, and now the administration will be briefing us this week. I look forward to hearing what happened, how was it planned, and what’s the road ahead. I think that’s really the big question, is what’s ahead for Venezuela,” said Budd, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Maduro appeared in front of a judge in New York on Monday, and remains held without bond. He faces charges of narcoterrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering, among other counts.

“When it comes to this (operation) with extracting the leader, first of all, what’s the legal process moving forward in New York with Maduro and his wife? And then also, what’s the plan for regional stability of Venezuela? I think every mom and dad around the United States that has lost a child or a loved one from narcotrafficking is glad that somebody like this has been brought to justice. Now, justice is not yet complete, but there’s a lot more to do. But I think people are happy about what’s been done,” said Budd.

Maduro has faced allegations of human rights violations, including the targeting of political opponents and excessive use of force.

“We’re safer because of a non-narco terrorist Venezuela. And also look at what was being invited into Venezuela. Hamas, Iran, Russia, China,” said Budd.

It is estimated that 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country during his regime, many of whom came to the United States.

According to the American Immigration Council, Venezuela was the second-leading country of origin for resettled refugees in North Carolina last fiscal year, and the lone South American nation in the top five.

Immigration lawyer talks effect on asylum cases

Nigel Edwards, Managing Attorney for the Law Offices of Omar Baloch, spoke to ABC11 about possible asylum changes and the complex process.

“The first thing I thought of when I heard the news, and I woke up the morning of Maduro’s capture, was how the asylum cases would be affected,” said Nigel Edwards, Managing Attorney for the Law Offices of Omar Baloch.

Edwards works with clients navigating the immigration process.

People can seek asylum in the United States because they have suffered persecution or fear they will suffer persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

“When it comes to the merits of asylum cases, people have to establish that they would be persecuted because of who they are in their country of origin. And if that threat of persecution no longer exists, then that can be a reason to deny a person’s asylum,” said Edwards.

Those seeking asylum in the United States need to file within a year of arriving. Once a person is granted asylum, it is extremely rare for it to be revoked. However, Edwards explains that the process is lengthy.

“These cases take years on average. I have some cases that are upwards of 10 years. People are still waiting to have their interviews at the asylum office,” Edwards said.

It’s not yet known how the change in leadership in Venezuela might affect pending asylum cases in the United States.

“We see Venezuelans celebrating in the streets. Those that are here legally are celebrating and are grateful for what President Trump boldly did. And now it’s a much more stable region for them to return to should they wish,” Budd said.

Currently, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is serving as interim president, though whether Edmundo Gonzalez, an opposition leader who many outside observers believe won the 2024 presidential election will be included as part of a future government is not clear

“What we look at is the conditions of the country and the overall regime. It’s bigger than just one person,” Edwards said. “So if you take the president out of Venezuela, but you have the same administration, the same people who are persecuting those who are filing for asylum today, nothing changes for our clients. That, of course, is not going to stop the government from arguing otherwise.”

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