by WGME Staff

Sun, January 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM

Updated Mon, January 5, 2026 at 6:12 AM

AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) -- Leaders in Maine are stunned by President Maduro's capture, including Governor Janet Mills.

Like many others, Mills says she woke up shocked by the news, and she calls the operation unprecedented and dangerous.

Mills is calling on Senator Susan Collins to hold a public hearing for the federal government to justify the military operation.

Mills wants answers since Congress says it was not consulted before Maduro's capture.

“We need a senator with backbone to stand up to this administration and demand answers. Nobody is saying President Maduro is a good guy. He’s a murderous dictator. There’s a lot of murderous dictators around this world. So what are the grounds? What’s the explanation for taking out this guy at this time?” Mill said. “What’s next? Is it Cuba? Is it Greenland? Colombia? We need to know before we commit our armed forces."

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Mills is also calling on Collins to include a provision in upcoming bills which would prevent funds from being used in Venezuela or the running of the country without Congressional authorization.