Key Facts
• January 3, 2026: Brazil condemns US attack on Venezuela and detention of President Maduro.
• Brazil shares border with Venezuela and monitors refugee influx closely.
• President Lula calls US action a serious insult to Venezuela’s sovereignty on X (formerly Twitter).
• Brazil urges the UN for a strong response and remains open to dialogue and cooperation.
• Brazil held an emergency cabinet meeting on January 3 to discuss potential Venezuelan refugee inflows.
• Since 2018, Brazil has protected over 150,000 Venezuelan refugees.
• Brazil’s Foreign Ministry reports no unusual border activity as of January 3.
• Foreign Minister Vieira met with Venezuelan counterpart on January 3.
• Latin American reactions split: Colombia’s President Petro rejects US intervention and calls for UN Security Council emergency meeting.
• Chile’s President Boric condemns US military action; President-elect Kast praises Maduro’s detention.
• Mexico’s President Sheinbaum criticizes US intervention.
• Argentina’s President Milei supports US operation against Maduro.
• Ecuador’s right-wing President Noboa backs Venezuelans opposing Maduro and Chavez.
• Harvard expert Levitsky notes right-wing governments praise, left-wing governments criticize Maduro’s removal.
Summary
On January 3, 2026, Brazil strongly condemned the United States for crossing a “red line” by attacking Venezuela and detaining President Nicolás Maduro. Brazil, sharing a border with Venezuela, is closely monitoring potential refugee flows, having already accepted over 150,000 Venezuelan refugees since 2018. President Lula described the US action as a grave insult to Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for a robust UN response while emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to dialogue. Latin American countries showed divided reactions: Colombia and Chile condemned the US military operation, while Chile’s incoming president and Argentina’s leader praised it. Mexico criticized the intervention, and Ecuador expressed support for Venezuelans opposing Maduro. Harvard analyst Steven Levitsky highlighted that regional responses align with political leanings, with right-wing governments applauding and left-wing governments condemning the US action. Brazil’s foreign ministry reported no unusual border movements, and diplomatic talks between Brazil and Venezuela continue amid the crisis.
