Las Cruces, NM – Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, a Democratic candidate for New Mexico governor in 2026, issued a brief statement on Monday regarding the controversial U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

In a podcast streaming posted to YouTube by local station Krazy KALHRadio.org Miyagishima drew a historical parallel to the 1989-1990 U.S. operation against Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega.

https://youtu.be/ulgxygRJJN4?si=uebd9MlNEToFCeiO

“The capture of Maduro to me appears to parallel the actions taken by the United States back in December 1989, January 1990 regarding another dictator named Manuel Noriega,” Miyagishima said. “So, I don’t view this as a declaration of war, but rather as an effort to bring a fugitive to justice.”

He concluded with, “God bless our troops and God bless the United States.”

Miyagishima’s comments come amid intense national and international debate over the January 3 operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” in which U.S. special forces conducted airstrikes on Caracas military targets before extracting Maduro, who now faces long-standing U.S. narco-terrorism charges in New York.

The action—described by President Trump as a “large-scale strike” to apprehend an indicted fugitive—has drawn comparisons to the Panama invasion, which ultimately led to Noriega’s arrest and trial in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges.

While some Democrats have criticized the operation as unauthorized regime change, Miyagishima’s remarks align with viewing it as targeted law enforcement supported by military means.

Miyagishima, known for his centrist positions on public safety and border issues during his 16 years as mayor, is one of three Democrats vying for the party’s nomination in the June 2026 primary, alongside former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.

The gubernatorial race will determine the successor to term-limited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

To hear the comments hosted by Anthony Lucero for AlamogordoTownNews.org on streaming KALHRadio.org click below

https://youtu.be/ulgxygRJJN4?si=uebd9MlNEToFCeiO

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