In January 2026, Donald Trump drastically intensified his rhetoric about military interventions in these territories:

Reason: Combating fentanyl trafficking and the perception that the neighboring country does not control its own territory.

Status: He stated that these operations are "getting closer" after months of maritime patrolling. The Mexican government has already rejected any attempt at intervention.

Following the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro, rumors are circulating that Marco will be the guardian of democracy in Venezuela, considering that two other countries are the next targets of the American government: Cuba and Colombia, which will indeed happen in the coming chapters.

On January 3, 2026, US President Donald Trump released the first official image of Nicolás Maduro in US custody. The capture occurred after a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, called Operation Absolute Determination.

Operation: The action was coordinated by the US armed forces and included bombings in Caracas and other regions. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained and transported to the United States.

Destination: Maduro arrived in New York on the same day, where he is expected to face federal criminal charges, including drug trafficking.