Colombia President Warns US Over Threats of Arrest Like Venezuela’s Maduro

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has warned the United States to stop threatening him with arrest, saying Washington should act immediately if it intends to treat him like Venezuela’s detained leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Petro made the remarks on Sunday amid rising diplomatic tensions following the arrest of Maduro by US forces earlier this month.

Trump Accuses Petro of Drug Trafficking

On January 3, 2026, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of leading a major drug trafficking network that allegedly smuggled cocaine into Washington, D.C.

A day later, US President Donald Trump claimed that Petro was also involved in cocaine trafficking. Trump described Petro as “a cocaine addict” and suggested his government was nearing collapse.

When asked whether military force could be used to remove Petro from power, Trump replied, “That works for me.”

Petro Responds With Defiance

Petro rejected the accusations and told Trump to stop what he called intimidation tactics.

“If you want to arrest me, do it. Try it,” Petro said.
“If you want to dress me in an orange jumpsuit, go ahead. The people of Colombia will take to the streets and fight for me.”

Petro added that he understands military conflict, saying he had previously fought in armed struggles and was not afraid of confrontation.

Parallels With Maduro’s Past Statements

Petro’s remarks echoed statements made by Maduro in August 2025, when the United States announced a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.

At the time, Maduro challenged US authorities to arrest him at the presidential palace in Miraflores, vowing to resist with force.

“Come and get me. I will be waiting for you here in Miraflores,” Maduro said.

Colombia Condemns Maduro’s Arrest

The Colombian government condemned Maduro’s arrest, calling it a violation of international law. Officials said Colombia had deployed additional troops and military equipment along its border to prepare for any possible escalation.

Tensions between Washington and several Latin American governments have increased sharply following Maduro’s detention, raising fears of broColombia President Warns US Over Threats of Arrest Like Venezuela’s Maduro

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has warned the United States to stop threatening him with arrest. He said Washington should act directly if it plans to treat him like Venezuela’s detained leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Petro spoke after the United States arrested Maduro earlier this month, accusing him of leading a large drug trafficking network.

Maduro Arrest Raises Regional Tensions

On January 3, 2026, US forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. American authorities accused him of smuggling cocaine into Washington, D.C.

The arrest shocked Latin America and increased tensions between the United States and several regional governments.

Trump Accuses Petro of Cocaine Trafficking

A day after Maduro’s arrest, US President Donald Trump accused Petro of drug trafficking. Trump claimed Petro was involved in cocaine trade operations linked to the United States.

Trump also described Petro as unstable and suggested his government was close to collapse.

When asked if military force could be used against Colombia, Trump responded, “That works for me.”

Petro Responds With Strong Words

President Petro rejected the accusations and warned Trump to stop threatening him.

“If you want to arrest me, do it,” Petro said.
“If you want to put me in an orange jumpsuit, try it.”

He added that Colombians would protest if any attempt was made to remove him from power.

Petro also said he understands armed conflict, noting his past involvement in insurgent movements.

Similar Words Once Used by Maduro

Petro’s comments echoed statements made by Maduro in August 2025. At that time, the US offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

Maduro challenged American forces to arrest him at the presidential palace in Miraflores.

Colombia Condemns Maduro’s Arrest

The Colombian government condemned Maduro’s arrest. Officials said it violated international law.

Colombia has since deployed more troops and military equipment along its border. The move aims to prepare for any possible regional escalation.

Growing Uncertainty in Latin America

The arrest of Maduro and the exchange of threats have raised fears of instability in Latin America.

Observers warn that rising tensions could damage diplomatic relations and regional security if dialogue fails.