Brazil has strongly condemned recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva calling the reported operation and detention of President Nicolás Maduro a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and a potentially destabilizing event for the region [3]. Brasília’s firm rebuke comes amid growing international concern over the intervention and the possibility of a refugee crisis, as Venezuela shares a important border with Brazil and has seen increased migration in recent years [3]. Reactions throughout Latin America have been divided, reflecting the deeply polarized political landscape.
ブラジル政府は３日、米国によるベネズエラへの攻撃およびマドゥロ大統領拘束を「容認できない一線」を越えたと非難した。ブラジリアで２０２５年１２月撮影（２０２６年 ロイター／Adriano Machado）
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that the U.S. actions represent a “serious offense to Venezuelan sovereignty” and a “very dangerous precedent for the entire international community,” posting the comment on X (formerly Twitter). He called for a “strong” response from the United Nations, while affirming Brazil’s continued willingness to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
Brazil convened an emergency cabinet meeting on January 3 following reports of a successful operation by U.S. forces, discussing the potential for increased Venezuelan migration. Brazil has maintained a program to protect Venezuelan refugees since 2018, having accepted over 150,000 individuals as of last year, according to reports.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry stated on January 3 that there has been no unusual movement observed along the border. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira also held discussions with his Venezuelan counterpart on the same day.
＜中南米諸国から非難と称賛＞
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed “concern and condemnation” regarding the U.S. military action on X, calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, Chile’s President-elect, Javier Casto, who campaigned on an anti-immigration and anti-crime platform, described Maduro’s detention as “wonderful news for the region.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. intervention.
Argentine President Javier Milei, a long-time critic of Maduro, posted supportive videos and statements regarding the U.S. operation.
Ecuadorian right-wing President Daniel Noboa stated that Ecuador stands with Venezuelans who oppose Maduro and the late Hugo Chávez, a former Venezuelan president and political mentor to Maduro.
According to Steven Levitsky, a Harvard University David Rockefeller Center fellow, few leaders will genuinely mourn Maduro’s removal, but reactions across Latin America will align with each country’s political leanings. “Right-wing governments will praise it, because that’s what they do. Left-wing governments will criticize it, because they can’t not,” he said.
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