Governor Morrisey Weighs In on Maduro’s Capture, Calls It a Win for Security and Accountability

Charleston, West Virginia; January 5th, 2026

Governor Patrick Morrisey released a statement responding to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and the tone was clear, steady, and supportive of what he described as a long-overdue step toward accountability and regional security.

The governor didn’t frame it as some abstract foreign policy chess move. He framed it in practical terms, law, safety, and consequences. In his statement, Morrisey pointed to Maduro’s long-standing indictment in the United States and described the apprehension as a reaffirmation that criminal leadership, even when wrapped in political power, is not untouchable forever. For a lot of people who’ve watched international criminals dodge justice for decades, that message mattered.

Morrisey emphasized that the operation sends a signal well beyond Venezuela itself. According to his office, the capture reinforces the idea that narco-trafficking, organized crime, and state-level corruption tied to violence and drug distribution will eventually meet consequences, not just overseas, but in American courtrooms. From his perspective, this wasn’t about domination, it was about enforcement of the law where the law had been ignored for too long.

There was also a clear focus on security, both regional and domestic. The governor tied the capture to broader efforts to combat drug trafficking networks that have contributed to addiction and crime across the United States, including in states like West Virginia that have paid a heavy price in the opioid crisis. While Venezuela may feel far away on a map, Morrisey made it clear that the downstream effects of cartel activity and international drug pipelines are felt right here at home.

What stood out in the statement was the absence of alarmism. Morrisey didn’t portray this as the start of instability or chaos. He described it as a stabilizing moment, one that creates an opportunity for Venezuela to move toward a safer and more accountable future, while also reducing threats that spill across borders. The tone suggested confidence, not concern, and a belief that firm action can lead to better outcomes for ordinary people.

The governor also acknowledged the role of American service members and law enforcement involved in the operation, praising their professionalism and the fact that the mission was carried out without the loss of U.S. life. That detail mattered in how the statement landed, not as bravado, but as reassurance that decisive action doesn’t have to come at reckless cost.

For West Virginians, Morrisey’s remarks connected an international event back to familiar ground. Drug trafficking, violent criminal networks, and the erosion of trust in institutions aren’t distant concepts here. By framing the capture of Maduro as part of a broader push against those forces, the governor positioned it as something that ultimately serves families and communities at home, not just foreign policy goals abroad.

The statement closed with a forward-looking note, emphasizing that accountability should be followed by rebuilding and stability, not endless uncertainty. While the future of Venezuela will take time to unfold, Morrisey’s message was that removing a criminal leader is a necessary first step, and one worth recognizing as progress.

In plain terms, the governor made his position clear. This was a justified action, a positive development for security, and a reminder that justice, even when delayed, can still arrive.

Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• WV OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY; “Governor Morrisey Issues Statement on the Capture of Nicolás Maduro,” official release, January 2026