In a "large-scale strike" on Caracas, Venezuela, early Saturday morning, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The two are being held in the United States, facing narco-terrorism charges, according to officials.
Idaho Senator and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch released a statement following the announcement of the completed operation, supporting the Trump administration's action against the South American country.
WATCH: Idaho politicians provide comment following the strike
"Through decisive strikes in Venezuela and the capture of Maduro, President Trump has taken meaningful action to protect our national security and eliminate a serious threat to the American people," Risch said.
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In a news conference Saturday, Trump announced that his administration will "run" the country for a period of time. The operation has been planned for months, according to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
It is unclear whether Trump consulted Congress before the strikes.
"As always, Congress has a constitutional responsibility to review all kinetic actions and ensure proper oversight," Risch said. "As this process moves forward, I will continue to support efforts that protect America’s security, reinforce accountability, and promote stability in the Western Hemisphere.”
Don Nelson, senior reporter with Idaho News 6, sat down with Risch in early December, following the U.S boat strikes targeting what officials described as "drug-smuggling" boats.
RELATED | Idaho Sen. Jim Risch defends U.S. strikes on suspected cartel boats
In the interview, Risch acknowledged debates about the legality of the operation. However, he stood behind the president.
“I got my friends on the other side of the aisle, ‘Oh, he shouldn’t be doing this, he doesn’t have the right to do this,’” Risch said. “This man is the commander in chief who took an oath to absolutely protect America.”
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo (R) called the capture of Maduro "welcome news," and praised the Trump administration. In a post to social media, Crapo said, "The influx of illegal drugs from Venezuela further posed serious threats to the American people."
The Idaho Democratic Party did not express approval of Trump's actions.
In a statement released Saturday, the party responds, “This is not how a democracy decides questions of war and the American people know it," Party Chair Lauren Necochea said, "By overwhelming margins, Americans opposed military action in Venezuela and believed the president needed to seek Congressional approval first."
At 5 p.m. tonight, protestors gathered at Boise City Hall, urging lawmakers to stand in opposition to the U.S waging a war on Venezuela.
Idaho News 6 will be downtown covering the protest and will continue to provide updates.
