Florida Republicans applaud Trump's handling of Venezuela operation that led to Maduro's capture

GOP members of Congress from Florida, which has the largest Venezuelan population in the U.S., applauded President Trump's handling of the operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.

“Venezuela will be FREE!” wrote U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., on social media, adding that Maduro's capture marked the end of a "narco-terrorist dictatorship."

Salazar also held a news conference with a group of GOP House members from Florida in support of the operation in Venezuela.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., said the moment represented a turning point for freedom across the hemisphere and commended the leadership that made the mission possible.

He compared the operation to “the fall of the Berlin Wall” and thanked Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. service members for what he called a “stellar military operation.” 

Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Fla., said the Maduro regime long threatened U.S. security through drug trafficking and criminal networks like the Cartel de los Soles.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called the operation an example of “peace through strength,” adding that America and the hemisphere were safer as a result.