Can Trump Be Impeached and Jailed for Breaching International Law in the Venezuela Invasion? Raise your hand up if you agree 🤚🤚

In the wake of the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela earlier this month, a chorus of legal experts, lawmakers, and international observers has raised alarms over potential violations of both U.S. constitutional norms and international law. The headline-making operation, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, has sparked intense debate in Washington and beyond.

Critics argue that President Donald Trump’s actions constitute grounds for impeachment by Congress, and some even suggest the possibility of criminal prosecution leading to jail time. But is this feasible? Let’s examine the legal arguments, political realities, and historical precedents surrounding this controversial incursion.
The Intervention: What Happened?
The U.S. military operation, dubbed “Operation Southern Spear,” began with airstrikes on Venezuelan targets and culminated in Maduro’s arrest by U.S. forces.04f03b Venezuelan officials reported at least 23 security officers killed, while the Cuban government claimed 32 of its personnel were casualties in the crossfire.a8ce74 Trump announced the capture from the White House, framing it as a victory for “America first” and “peace through strength,” with support from War Secretary Pete Hegseth.cc0e6c The administration justified the move as a response to drug cartels, terrorism, and humanitarian crises, but detractors call it an outright invasion aimed at seizing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.24b832
This action echoes past U.S. interventions, such as the 2003 Iraq War, where oil interests were cited amid broader geopolitical aims.5b8b9f A timeline of escalation shows Trump signing related orders as early as his inauguration on January 20, 2025, followed by failed congressional attempts to curb his authority through war powers resolutions.929936
Violations of International Law: A Clear Breach?
International law experts overwhelmingly agree that the U.S. actions violate key principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against sovereign states except in self-defense or with Security Council approval.4b186e The intervention lacks both, making it an unlawful aggression.75ff3a UN experts have warned that such moves undermine accountability and democracy, potentially exacerbating humanitarian issues rather than resolving them.65c3df
Specifically, three major breaches have been highlighted:
Sovereignty Violation: The attack disregards Venezuela’s territorial integrity, a cornerstone of the UN Charter.0316fc
Humanitarian and Economic Impacts: The operation has worsened living conditions, violating economic and social rights through aggressive policies like asset seizures.763f80
Prohibited Use of Force: Without an imminent threat to the U.S., the strikes flout norms against preemptive military action.7cce4f
Human rights organizations, including the Fédération internationale pour les droits humains (FIDH) and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), have condemned the “oil grab” as a flagrant disregard for international norms, threatening global peace.75a0b9bff755 Al Jazeera analysts argue this signals the “collapse of international law” under great-power geopolitics.0d5e72
Impeachment: A Viable Path?
Impeachment calls have surged since the operation. Democratic lawmakers like Senator Scott Wiener and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez have labeled it an “illegal invasion and coup,” demanding Trump’s removal.03c912b296e1 Congressman Al Green has vowed to introduce articles of impeachment, citing unconstitutional military action without congressional approval.29a1a8 The New York City Bar Association urges Congress to enforce the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits presidential war-making without legislative consent.bbb108
Fox News reports Democrats viewing the operation as an “impeachable offense,” drawing parallels to endless wars justified by falsehoods.026c9a Time magazine notes momentum building, with figures like Adam Schiff calling it a repeat of past abuses.377f85 However, not all Democrats agree; some, per The Boston Globe, prioritize war powers resolutions over impeachment to avoid political backlash.6265b1
Historically, impeachment requires a House majority to charge and a two-thirds Senate vote to convict. With Republicans controlling both chambers post-2024 elections, success seems unlikely—similar to Trump’s previous impeachments in 2019 and 2021, where he was acquitted.7e4085 Recent war powers votes failed narrowly, with a 215-215 House tie defeating one resolution.e3e334 The Senate killed another 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie.902d30
Jailed? The Criminal Angle
Beyond impeachment, which is a political process for removal from office, jailing Trump would require criminal charges. Critics point to potential war crimes under the Geneva Conventions or U.S. laws like the War Crimes Act.71c913 The Brennan Center argues the attack lacks constitutional basis, comparing it unfavorably to the 1989 Panama invasion.f5ab40
However, prosecuting a sitting president is unprecedented. The Department of Justice’s policy against indicting incumbents would need overturning, and post-office charges could face immunity claims from Trump’s prior Supreme Court rulings on official acts. International bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC) could investigate, but the U.S. isn’t a member, limiting enforcement.8a46c0 Stanford Law experts note that diplomatic pressure might be the strongest check, given U.S. power dynamics.ecffaa
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
NPR outlines seven takeaways, including bipartisan divisions: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries disputes claims it’s “not an invasion,” while Republicans like Marco Rubio defend it.080f63 Public opinion is split, with some X users decrying it as “war crimes” and others seeing it as necessary.a531520c9eb6 Brookings warns of obscured risks, akin to Iraq, where mixed motives led to prolonged conflict.945d5b
As of January 24, 2026, no formal impeachment proceedings have begun, but the debate rages on. Whether Trump faces consequences may hinge on midterm elections and international backlash. For now, the Venezuela intervention tests the limits of presidential power in a polarized America.