47thVoice.com Weekend Top News Roundup – January 3-4, 2026

The weekend’s leading headline across the nation and globe centered on Operation Absolute Resolve, the bold U.S. military action launched in the early hours of January 3, 2026. U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes on targets in Caracas and surrounding areas, followed by a ground extraction that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

• Operation Details: Involving over 150 aircraft—including F-22s, F-35s, B-1 Lancers, and support assets—from more than 20 bases, the mission neutralized Venezuelan air defenses and enabled Delta Force operators, accompanied by FBI agents, to apprehend Maduro. No U.S. casualties were reported. President Trump described the operation as a “deadly and dark” success, noting tactical blackouts in Caracas aided the raid.

• Administration Stance: President Trump announced Maduro’s transfer to New York for trial on 2020 narco-terrorism charges. The U.S. plans temporary administration of Venezuela, with major U.S. oil companies involved in rebuilding and exploiting reserves during a transition period.

• Protests and Celebrations: Nationwide U.S. protests erupted Saturday in cities like New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and others, decrying the action as unconstitutional and risking escalation. Venezuelan expatriate communities, especially in Doral, Florida, celebrated Maduro’s removal. Regional protests also occurred in Alamogordo and expected in Las Cruces amid military community concerns.

• Global Reactions: Widespread condemnation from the UN, Latin American leaders, Russia, and China; mixed support from some opposition figures and right-leaning governments. Debates rage over legality under the War Powers Resolution.

This unprecedented move has dominated discourse, raising questions about U.S. foreign policy precedents.

Local Las Cruces Highlights

• Rising Juvenile Crime Tied to Social Media: Las Cruces Police Department released a video highlighting a disturbing trend of juveniles posting firearms and violent content online for “clout.” Chief Jeremy Story noted actions often driven by social media likes, linking to increased violent offenses including drive-by shootings and homicides. Since 2020, 17 juveniles charged with murder/manslaughter and 217 with weapons violations.

• Apartment Fire on W. Madrid Ave.: On New Year’s Day evening (January 1, 2026), Las Cruces Fire Department responded to heavy flames in a downstairs unit on the 200 block of W. Madrid Ave. near N. Main Street. Crews contained the blaze quickly, preventing spread; no injuries reported, cause under investigation.

• Community and Events: Recovery from New Year’s festivities, including the successful Chile Drop in Plaza de Las Cruces drawing thousands. Minimum wage rose to $13.01 effective January 1. Ongoing NMSU preparations and community grants supporting local events.

• Other Notes: Quiet weekend locally otherwise, with public safety focus on juvenile issues and post-holiday calm.

Stay informed as national developments may prompt local responses in military-connected southern New Mexico.

More News from Las Cruces

• High School Sports Las Cruces vs. Organ Mountain Rivalry History A relatively modern crosstown matchup in southern New Mexico. While not as historic as the longstanding Las Cruces-Mayfield rivalry
• With Protests Across the State an Incident Reported at Alamogordo Protest: Motorcyclist Allegedly Attempts to Strike Demonstrators AlamogordoTownNews.org Incident Reported at Alamogordo Protest: Motorcyclist Allegedly Attempts to Strike Demonstrators