The United States has confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is now in federal custody in New York, following a U.S. military operation that resulted in his capture overseas. Federal authorities say Maduro has been transferred to Brooklyn for legal processing and is expected to face multiple criminal charges in the Southern District of New York.
According to an unsealed indictment released by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Maduro is accused of narco-terrorism conspiracy, large-scale cocaine trafficking, and weapons-related offenses, including the possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Prosecutors allege that Maduro led a corrupt and illegitimate government that partnered with violent gangs and international drug cartels to enrich political elites and flood narcotics into the United States.
Maduro, who took office in 2013 and previously served as vice president under Hugo Chávez, was captured during what U.S. officials described as a large-scale, joint military and intelligence operation. President Donald Trump praised the mission, calling it an extraordinary success and crediting U.S. forces for carrying out what he described as a highly complex operation.
The indictment names six defendants, including Maduro, members of his immediate family, and Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. Authorities say the network operated across the Western Hemisphere, with direct ties to organized crime activity in U.S. cities, including New York.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown into the United States late Saturday. After processing at the DEA’s Manhattan headquarters, they were transported by helicopter to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Maduro is being held pending his initial court appearance, expected early next week.
Reaction to the operation has been swift and deeply divided.
Some U.S. lawmakers applauded the move. Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz broke with several members of her party, calling Maduro’s capture “welcome news” for Venezuelans who fled years of repression. She said the moment could open a pathway toward democracy but also urged congressional oversight, questioning why lawmakers were not briefed ahead of the operation.
Others sharply criticized the action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the mission reckless, warning it could destabilize the region. Former Vice President Kamala Harris labeled the operation unlawful and unwise, accusing the administration of risking American lives and pursuing regime change without legal authority. New York Attorney General Letitia James described Maduro as a brutal dictator, while also raising concerns about constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
International reaction has also intensified. China condemned the United States, accusing Washington of violating international law and demanding Maduro’s immediate release. Beijing urged dialogue rather than force and warned against what it described as interference in Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration insists the operation was necessary to combat drug trafficking and regional instability. Defense officials described the mission as the most sophisticated special operations raid ever conducted, involving multiple intelligence agencies. Transportation authorities confirmed that temporary airspace restrictions over the Caribbean have now been lifted.
In the aftermath, Starlink announced it would provide free internet access across Venezuela for one month, citing support for the Venezuelan people during a time of uncertainty.
Protests have erupted on both sides of the issue. Small groups of pro-Maduro demonstrators gathered outside the White House and near the Brooklyn detention center, demanding his release and accusing the U.S. of imperial overreach.
As Maduro remains in federal custody, attention now turns to the courtroom. Legal experts say the case could reshape U.S.–Latin America relations and set a historic precedent in international criminal enforcement.
Watch handcuffed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro transferred
We will continue to follow this developing story closely and bring you updates as new information becomes available.
Reporting by Kathy Moore.
